Overview
Deliver/Read stories live on air in a conversational and engaging manner. Smoothly operate the studio board: play commercials, reporter packages and station imaging elements; operate microphones. Must be able to manage the clock and hit WTOP's benchmarks. Anchors must adhere to WTOP's strict clock guidelines. Write news stories in an active, conversational, clear, concise and interesting way to be read on air. Break down complicated and involved stories so they are easy to understand. Continue to update and revise scripts, as needed. Deliver the news accurately without stumbles. Interview live guests on the top news of the day in an unbiased manner. Enterprise and develop compelling story and interview ideas for daily broadcasts. Operate the Emergency Alert System for the DC area during weather emergencies. Effectively ad lib during breaking news events and live interviews. Keep abreast of new developments in stories being covered by WTOP. Conduct off-air interviews for use during AM Drive and other dayparts. Write, produce and voice packages, as needed, for other dayparts. Write articles for web, as needed. Voice commercials, as needed. Attend weekly editorial and strategic meetings. Take part in listen/coaching sessions with news directors. Complete other duties as requested.
Qualifications
- Degree in Journalism, Communications, or related field, preferred
- 5-10 years professional anchoring experience in the broadcast news industry (radio or television)
- Be a great storyteller. Strong writing, interviewing and audio production skills required. Must be able to write quickly and on deadline.
- Ability to run a studio board and operate studio technology flawlessly
- Comply with the moral code of the journalism profession. Maintain standards of accuracy and fairness in news coverage without bias.
- Help deliver news with a sense of urgency 24/7
- News junkie. Must be knowledgeable of local/national/international issues, newsmakers and current events
- Understand the radio market, including Nielsen data
- Provide newsroom leadership and contribute to overall team effort
- Communicate effectively and work collaboratively with others in the newsroom
- Must be able to think quickly, maintain performance under extreme pressure and respond to breaking news in an effective manner
- Highly-developed public speaking and interpersonal skills along with exceptional communication skills, both oral and written
- Ability to work holidays that fall on assigned shifts.
- Report to work on time and work established schedule/hours. Anchor may be asked to work hours outside of assigned shifts on an as needed basis.
- Act in a professional manner when representing the station. Project an appropriate and professional appearance and demeanor.
- Knowledge of Adobe Audition, Burli, Wide Orbit and Teams, preferred
- Ability to work in compliance with company policies and procedures
- Be open to feedback from colleagues and leadership team
- Physical Requirements
- Ability to communicate in English, both verbally and in writing
- Manual dexterity and fine motor skills to manipulate computer keys and general office equipment
- Ability to read, hear and speak clearly, and follow both oral and written direction
- Requires the ability to think critically and make sound editorial decisions
- Ability to articulate information in clear, concise manner to others
- Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job. The Company will make reasonable physical accommodations to facilitate the ability to perform essential job functions.