Podcast Script Writer – $70K/yr – $90K/yr
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Job Summary
THE PODCAST:
This daily news podcast launched in April 2023 and blends domestic and international news with analysis and opinion. It airs at 3 AM Eastern, Monday through Friday, with occasional Saturday specials. The show is available on all major podcast platforms and offers extended engagement through Substack for paid subscribers.
The Reach
The show receives approximately 20,000 daily downloads, including 2,500 paid subscribers. The goal is to reach 40,000 daily downloads by Q4 of 2025 and 5,000 paid subscribers. A skilled Scriptwriter will be instrumental in helping achieve that goal. An annual bonus will be offered based on performance.
The Style
The host works to make complicated news, especially international affairs, digestible and accessible. Storytelling is central, with a focus on facts, reason, logic, and data. The tone is smart yet approachable, often using analogies to simplify and clarify. When each episode ends, listeners should feel better informed, enriched, and entertained.
The Structure
Episodes are broken into segments or briefs. Each begins with factual reporting followed by clearly identified analysis and opinion.
The Culture
The growing team aims to build a collaborative environment marked by loyalty, professionalism, graciousness, attention to detail, humility, and industriousness. Ideal team members are logical, mission-driven, witty, and appropriately irreverent.
The Role
Seeking a Scriptwriter as an Independent Contractor. This is a remote position with occasional travel to Arizona and Oregon. Compensation ranges from $70,000 to $90,000 annually depending on experience and ability.
An annual bonus is offered based on revenue growth, work ethic, and overall contribution to the show.
Time off includes federal holidays and additional days coordinated in advance.
The Schedule
Work is performed Sunday through Thursday, with Friday and Saturday off. A typical day includes:
- Morning: Review news across domestic and international sources, based on past coverage and listener interest
- 12:00 to 1:30 PM Pacific: Video call to align on topics and structure for the episode
- 1:30 to 7:00 PM Pacific: Write and edit the script, which averages 12 pages or 3,000 words
- Submit the script by 7:00 PM Pacific for final edits. Exceptions may be made for breaking news
- The episode is recorded starting at 7:30 PM and submitted to the sound engineer by 9:30 PM Pacific
Responsibilities
- Write and edit a daily news and analysis script based on curated stories
- Write in the established voice and style of the host
- Research stories to answer the question: so what? Why does this matter to a busy listener?
- Use a wide range of sources, both mainstream and niche, and distinguish facts from opinion
- Document all hyperlinks for news references, data, or facts
- Provide creative input as time and familiarity allow
Qualifications
Ideal candidates should have:
- A demonstrated interest in and knowledge of domestic and international news
- 5 or more years of relevant experience preferred
- Excellent writing, research, and editorial skills, including clarity, accuracy, and balance
- The ability to work consistently between approximately 12 PM and 7 PM Pacific Time
- A humble attitude, strong work ethic, and good interpersonal skills
- The ability to take initiative and work independently under pressure with minimal supervision
Desired Skills and Experience
podcast scriptwriting, news writing, journalism, content research, fact checking, editorial writing, storytelling, news analysis, political writing, international affairs, copywriting, script editing, media research, current events knowledge, AP style, narrative development, audio content creation, source verification, news curation