News Podcast Host/Producer

Founded by Stanley E. Hubbard in 1923, Hubbard Broadcasting has been entertaining and informing audiences for nearly 100 years. With a history steeped in tradition, the Hubbard family continues to operate the company, evolving to always match the cutting edge changes in the media landscape.

Our markets — Hubbard Broadcasting operates broadcast stations and companies spanning from New Mexico to New York. We reach local communities and national audiences. From traditional radio to local TV to an independent cable and satellite network to cutting edge digital, we do it all.

Our culture — With a culture focused on creativity, we are able to powerfully engage our audiences every day by creating unique and iconic content. Our teams are diverse and innovative in every aspect of our business. Through hard work and dedication, we succeed by always doing the right thing with focus, urgency and passion.

Community impact — Hubbard Broadcasting proudly works with each of our communities to bring people together. We create expansive networks that allow our clients to reach our audience easily and organically. Our community is what makes us who we are, and we love interacting with and giving back to all of our localities.

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.

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/