DIRECTOR, BET NEWS

JOB DESCRIPTION The Director of News will report into the Senior Vice President, BET News and Public Affairs. The Director will manage and oversee the team as well as day to day processes within the News department.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage the day to day operations and oversee news gathering of the DC. Office. This includes overseeing news programming produced in the bureau including series, specials and daily news briefs; managing and assigning producers, correspondents and other news teams to projects; pitching story ideas and specials; and developing strategy for on-going political coverage.
• Direct news programming efforts in Washington, DC, ultimately ensuring that newsgathering resources areappropriately deployed to meet editorial goals, program formats and increase audience appeal, and story coverage has the appropriate level of depth and perspectives that commensurate with BET’s unique programming sensibilities.
• To develop and maintain strong sources and contacts on the Hill, including the White House and Congress, as well as key political and policy associations. Help facilitate bookings as needed.
• To oversee live coverage of political news events in Washington, DC. Have the ability to produce or senior produce coverage as needed.
• Work closely with Director of News and Public Affairs and other New York based team in daily brief production, live event coverage and other programming as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS

• 5-7 years as a proven news producer or manager in broadcast journalism with a keen interest and understanding of politics as well as knowledge of key African Americans in national, state and local politics. Demonstrated experience of managing a team of people.
• Strong leadership, management and organizational savvy. Must have effective skills in building teams and managing news talent.
• Sound news and editorial judgment. Able to think in a non-traditional manner that will appeal to 18-34year old demographic.
• Experience developing multiple forms of news, with an emphasis on an understanding of, and appreciation for African American sensibilities.
• Able to produce high-quality programming within reasonable budgets.
• Able to sell BET as a “first stop” for the political community. Leverage strong, pre-existing relationships with contacts on the hill.
• Strong leadership with solid interpersonal, written and verbal communications skills. Able to communicate creative goals and the value of the programming to peers, subordinates and superiors.
• Excellent writing, script, and editing skills. Field producing, or reporting experience a plus.
• Ability to manage long term projects and make decisive decisions under tight deadlines. Control room experience would be very helpful.

ABOUT BET NETWORKS BET Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA) (NYSE: VIA.B), is the nation's leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel reaches more than 90 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom and sub-Saharan Africa. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of business extensions: BET.com, a leading Internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; CENTRIC, a 24-hour entertainment network targeting the 25- to 54-year-old African-American audience; BET Digital Networks - BET Gospel and BET Hip Hop, attractive alternatives for cutting-edge entertainment tastes; BET Mobile, which provides ringtones, games and video content for wireless devices; and BET International, which operates BET in the United Kingdom and oversees the extension of BET network programming for global distribution.

BET Networks is an Equal Opportunity Employer EOE