[Hugh R]

Beats me and I work in the Industry.

Typically a lot of producers are investors in an independent film. In TV, a lot of them are writers, but maybe not on that episode. The Unit Production Manager (UPM) or sometimes called the Production Manager is the one who runs the day-to-day of the show. Some "Producers" will have a specific job like a producer on the movie "Ladder 49" his job was to get as much free fire truck equipment and as many off-duty firemen to bring their gear to the set and work for nothing or very, very little.

On a show like Jimmy Kimmel Live! a Segment Producer works with the writer's on a particular gag or skit, and acts as a Project Manager to budget, get approval, arrange for all parties involved, necessary permits/licenses/releases, etc.