NewsNation Production Manager

Production Manager News. Nation | Chicago Position Summary News. Nation is seeking a Production Manager to help lead staffing, workforce planning, and operational support for the Chicago operation. As a member of the Operations Management team, this role ensures workforce readiness and operational continuity across live programming, special events, and breaking news coverage.

The position serves as the primary operational leader on weekends, providing guidance, support, and real-time decision-making for production and technical teams while helping develop people, improve processes, and strengthen day-to-day operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead workforce planning, scheduling and staffing for Chicago operations.
• Help oversee the day-to-day technical aspects of production, from remote signal acquisition through to transmission, and will serve as a liaison between News. Nation Operations, Engineering, and News Production groups and network studio facilities in Chicago, New York, and Washington DC to coordinate staffing, resources, and operational support including special projects, and breaking news coverage.
• Serve as the primary management presence on weekends, resolving operational and staffing issues as they arise.
• Collaborate with Nexstar corporate & News. Nation Operations and Engineering teams to verify/ensure technical requirements of the control room automation, equipment, and studios are met, including maintaining their functionality and professional appearance.
• May work with news production & guest booking personnel in readying live shot transmissions for air and in studio appearances, monitoring live shot activity related to show assignment including live guest transmissions.
• Make staffing decisions based on operational needs, employee capabilities, and development opportunities that align with company policies and applicable union agreements.
• Assist in improving scheduling systems, workforce tools, reporting, and operational workflows. What Success Looks Like
• Staffing issues are addressed before they impact production.
• Schedules are accurate, timely, and aligned with operational needs.
• Employees receive clear direction, consistent communication, and management support.
• Workforce systems and processes improve efficiency, visibility, and decision-making.
• Strong coordination exists across all News. Nation bureaus.
• The operation runs smoothly because there is clear leadership, accountability, and follow-through.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in network television, live production, or broadcast operations.
• Strong understanding of studio, control room, and production workflows.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to remain calm and effective in a fast-paced live-news environment.
• Experience with scheduling systems, workforce planning, or process improvement preferred.
• Experience working in a union environment is strongly preferred.
• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Salary Range: $130,000 – $150,000 yearly
• #LI-On-site About News. Nation News. Nation is a national cable news network delivering fact-based news coverage to viewers across the United States. With operations in Chicago, New York, Washington, DC, and bureaus nationwide, News. Nation supports a 24/7 news operation focused on live programming, breaking news, and special event coverage.

Benefits

Our comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees includes, but not limited to, medical (with multiple plan options), dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, a 401(k) with company matching contributions, Paid Parental leave, life insurance and more. Part time employees are eligible for 401(k) and any local/state leave plans.

Union positions are subject to the benefits outlined in their Collective Bargaining Agreement.