News Podcast Host/Producer

#26-1273

Business Unit

WTOP-AM/FM

Employee Classification

Full Time Regular

About Us

Hubbard DC, which includes WTOP, Federal News Network and 2060 Digital, is committed to reporting relevant news for our region. Through continuously evolving brands, we connect consumers with advertisers across a growing number of distribution platforms including radio, podcasts, social media, and websites. We do this with a commitment to our community...while growing our people and profits. OUR VISION To be an industry leader and set the standard for equality and inclusivity for all races, genders, ages, ethnicities, abilities, sexual orientations and religions by creating and fostering principles that integrate our core values. OUR MISSION To be proactive in providing a welcoming, professional environment; free of harassment, discrimination and marginalization with on-going habits that incorporate our unique experiences into the overall success and continuous evolution of this organization.

Job Overview

WTOP is launching a new on-demand news podcast built for the way Washington consumes news: fast, current and constantly refreshed. Each 20-minute episode repurposes WTOP's award-winning news segments with a host providing connective tissue between stories. The podcast is updated once an hour, 6 AM to 7 PM, making it one of the most frequently refreshed news podcasts in the country. WTOP will be hiring two people to support the new podcast throughout the day. Each person will serve as host, editorial voice and producer of each episode (6-7 per shift) — deciding how stories are framed, sequenced and set up for a smart, time-pressed DC audience, as well as editing and publishing each episode to WTOP’s audio and video platforms.

Job Responsibilities

Write and voice original intros, outros, transitions and topical framing for each hourly episode. Provide context and connect the dots for listeners.

Select stories and sequence stories so each episode leads with what matters right now

Update copy and record within tight hourly windows while maintaining a polished, conversational delivery

Handle basic recording, editing and podcast assembly

Publish episodes to podcast hosting platforms in audio and video formats

Conduct weekly interviews with local newsmakers and experts

Appear in video published to WTOP's digital platforms

Record & edit video clips for use on web/social media

Write articles for web, as needed

Uphold the highest standards of journalistic integrity and ethics, and maintain WTOP's editorial standards, accuracy and tone across every episode.

Participate in audience development -- cross-promotion on WTOP's broadcast and digital platforms, creation of social/video promos, and review of podcast analytics

Qualifications

3--5+ years of on-air experience in radio, podcasting or video-based news -- anchoring, hosting or reporting

Deep knowledge of the Washington, DC market (local and regional government; federal workforce; metro/transportation; local sports; neighborhoods across DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia; and the region's news rhythms) as well as knowledge of big national/international stories that impact a local audience.

Strong news judgment -- know what leads, what holds and what gets cut

Exceptional writing for the ear: tight, conversational and compelling

Strong interview skills

Broadcast-quality voice and delivery -- warm, credible and consistent

Exceptional newscast production skills (understand the importance of utilizing sound bites, nat sound and other audio in newscasts)

Exceptional audio and video editing skills (Adobe Audition & Premiere, preferred)

Proven ability to work on deadline and multitask

Strong leadership and communication skills

Ability to work independently and be a self-starter

Report to work on time. Must be able to occasionally extend shifts during major breaking news or severe weather events.

Project an appropriate and professional appearance and demeanor

Ability to work in compliance with company policies and procedures

Ability to function well in a diverse team environment

Must have reliable form of transportation. Remote work is available on an occasional basis for this position.

Preferred:

Experience launching or growing an audio/video podcast or show

Experience with podcast CMS/publishing platforms and basic metadata best practices

Familiarity with AP style and broadcast news standards

Experience voicing host-read ads or sponsor integrations

Degree in Journalism, Communications or related field

Knowledge of Burli and Teams

Physical requirements

Sit for extended periods of time

Manual dexterity to manipulate computer keys, office equipment and other controls for extended periods of time

Ability to communicate in English both verbally and in writing

Ability to follow both oral and written direction

Requires the ability to think critically, quickly and tactically, and to articulate information in a clear, concise manner to others

Have sufficient hearing and vision to evaluate the performance of audio and video

Must be able to quickly assess situations, anticipate needs of others and act promptly.

Compensation and Benefits

When extending an offer, the company considers a variety of factors such as (but not limited to) the candidate's work experience, education/training & key skills as well as internal peer equity and other market and business considerations. The hourly rate of pay for this position is $36.00 to $41.00 per hour. For information regarding our benefits, please copy the link below and paste in your browser: https://hubbardbroadcasting.com/our-company/working-here/

Req Affirmative Action Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer, including disability/vets.

Req Diversity Statement

Hubbard Broadcasting has been committed to representing the communities we serve since our founding over 100 years ago. The same holds true today. We know the best way to accomplish this is by recruiting and retaining top talent from diverse cultures, life experiences, and world views. With dignity and respect, we value YOU and everything that makes YOU uniquely YOU.