You're replaceable - News Producer KCTV5 Employee Review

2.0
May 22, 2023
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Like anywhere, the people are always the best part. You'll be part of a dedicated team of professionals who are fun, friendly and dedicated to delivering a great product, in spite of poor management. Hourly employees get additional pay for working overtime and holidays. The company will sometimes spring for some food during big breaking news/weather days and for the workers who have to come in for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Cons

At KCTV5, you are always replaceable. Management is in a constant search for decent producers because it the conditions are so poor most people leave after their contract is up, and many actually pay to break their contract. There's a good chance you will be willing to pay to leave this job. Staff may be short, but the shows must go on, so that means you will be worked left to fill the gap for multiple shows per day. Producers are regularly asked to write two or three shows a day, the same timeframe they used to be responsible for just one. Producers can expect to make between $40,000 and $50,000 a year with a 2% annual cost of living adjustment. Women should expect to make less than their male counterparts. As mentioned, you'll be locked in a contract with a non-compete clause to prevent you from leaving the station or working at another local news station for at least six months even after your contract is up. A typical producer contract at KCTV5 is three years, and during those three years there's little to no negotiation over raises. Your only window to really advocate for a better wage is between contracts, and even then, good luck. The average stay for a news director at KCTV5 is about a year, and it's hard to argue the merit of a decent increase to a manager who doesn't really know you or your work. And how good can your work be when you're writing 10–15 shows a week while holding your pee because you can't leave your desk long enough to use the bathroom? TL;DR: Run. Run far, far away from this place.

Explore other reviews about KCTV5

5.0
Sep 14, 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Smart management team. Clear direction. Consistently improving. You will have a lot of people to learn from at this station. Something that was not always available. Amazing co-workers. That extends to the anchors who are, by far, the best in the business. Extremely professional, kind, willing to go the extra step, great mentors. Not enough nice things can be said about these people. You will not work with a better group in all of news.

Cons

You will have a high workload. This is becoming increasingly common among news jobs. It can lead to burnout quickly. But, if you aren't in management your work does not creep into your personal life. This is as a news Producer.

2.0
Apr 2, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Good media market to work in

Cons

This station has a documented history of gender and race discrimination and has become a revolving door of news directors and managers who continue to reinforce the same harmful workplace practices. While a recent rebrand lists “Diversity and Inclusion” as a core pillar, the internal culture does little to create a supportive or inclusive environment for employees of different racial and ethnic backgrounds. There is a noticeable lack of minority representation across the newsroom among reporters, anchors, producers, and even the assignment desk. Currently, there is not a single reporter of color on staff, despite multiple open positions and opportunities to diversify hiring. This absence fails to reflect the communities that make up Kansas City and contributes to viewers turning to other stations that better represent them. Management has repeatedly failed to address reports of discrimination, leaving affected employees in uncomfortable situations where they must continue working alongside those involved. The lack of representation has also contributed to a disconnect in how the station covers issues impacting communities of color, reinforcing the perception that people of color are an afterthought rather than a priority. Favoritism and inconsistent standards further impact morale. Reporters who arrive unprepared or without well-developed story pitches are often rewarded with advancement opportunities, while others demonstrating strong work ethic and initiative are overlooked. This double standard has driven talented employees to leave the newsroom. Overall, newsroom leadership appears to prioritize ratings over employee well-being. Staff members are not empowered to share concerns or feel that their voices are heard, contributing to low morale and ongoing turnover.

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