The Silhouette Opinions Associate Editor

This posting closes on Thursday, March 17 at 11:59pm.

Term: End of August to April

Reports to: The Silhouette Opinion Editor 

Hours:6 - 8 hours per week

Rate: TBD before interviews

The Silhouette is McMaster University’s student-run newspaper. The Sil has been in publication for over 80 years, first hitting the newsstands in the fall of 1930. To see more on the MSU site, click here. 

Overview 

Whether it’s a breaking news story or an ongoing investigation,
Silhouette reporters will be there and are committed to informing the student body of the issues and concerns that affect their lives. The Sil’s sports section is your best way to keep up with the exploits of the many Mac varsity teams, while Arts & Culture provides useful and insightful profiles, features, and tips to help you get the most out of student life. The Sil’s opinions section is your own forum through which you can speak to the masses. Got something to say? Submit an OpEd piece by two days prior to that week’s publication. 

GENERAL SCOPE:

The Opinion Associate Editor is responsible for producing The Roundtable, a part of the Silhouette and 93.3 CFMU’s Frequency series. The Opinion Associate Editor will act as the primary host for the show, and work with a team of Opinion Frequency Staff Reporters to generate the show’s segments. The Opinion Associate Editor will conduct a featured roundtable discussion each week. 

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Show Planning & Editorial Development 

• Pitch and develop a weekly outline of The Roundtable with the Opinion Editor 

• Coordinate segment ideas with Opinion Frequency Staff Reporters 

• Secure and prepare a featured 40–45 minute roundtable discussion with 2-4 guests 

• Ensure content is timely, accurate, and aligned with editorial standards 

Hosting & Interview Production 

• Serve as primary host and producer of The Roundtable 

• Conduct one featured 40-45 minute roundtable discussion per week 

• Research guests and prepare interview questions 

• Guide conversations professionally and within time constraints 

Production & Technical Oversight 

• Coordinate recording and editing of each episode 

• Ensure episodes meet broadcast quality, CFMU and Silhouette standards 

• Upload completed episodes to 93.3 CFMU and podcast platforms or record live on-air 

Leadership Function 

• Supervise and assist Opinion Frequency Staff Reporters with segment development and interviews 

• Liaise with the Campus Media Content Coordinator, Programming Director, and Executive Editor for technical support 

• Report progress and scheduling updates to the Opinion Editor 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Strong verbal communication and on-air hosting ability 

• Ability to conduct in-depth interviews and guide professional, time-conscious conversations 

• Strong news judgment and understanding of editorial standards 

• Working knowledge of Canadian Press style and journalistic ethics 

• Ability to collaborate effectively with staff, volunteers, and guests 

• Time management and organizational skills to meet weekly production deadlines 

• Basic audio editing skills and familiarity with recording platforms 

• Knowledge of media law, defamation, and broadcast standards 

EFFORT & RESPONSIBILITY 

• Maintain high attention to detail to ensure accuracy, balance, and editorial integrity of broadcast content 

• Exercise sound judgment in selecting guests and shaping weekly programming 

• Demonstrate persistence and professionalism in securing interviews and meeting production deadlines 

• Sustain consistent performance in planning, hosting, and overseeing weekly show production 

• Responsible adherence to CFMU Radio Inc. Operating Policy – The Silhouette 

WORKING CONDITIONS 

• Silhouette shared office space around a lounge Silhouette Podcast studio (must be booked in advance) 

• CFMU studio (production booth and on-air booth — must be booked in advance) 

• Time demands may exceed stated hours of work 

TRAINING & EXPERIENCE 

• Broadcast journalism experience (previous volunteer experience with the Silhouette is an asset) 

• Computer and basic editorial training will be provided 

• Rudimentary knowledge of Canadian media 

• Silhouette training  over the summer 

EQUIPMENT 

• Personal computer equipment for communication responsibilities 

• Recording tools required for interviewing and transcribing