On-Call News Host

ABOUT KNKX

KNKX is a Puget Sound area public media outlet, dedicated to bringing jazz, blues, regional news, and NPR programs to the Northwest and beyond. As an independent station, KNKX employees are energized in their mission to provide the very best service to over 400,000 listeners on-air and online, to engage closely with community members and the public media industry to constantly improve and innovate, and to present music and stories that educate, inspire, and expand horizons. KNKX offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package. We have offices in Seattle and Tacoma.

KNKX employees work in an office culture that welcomes creativity, experimentation, teamwork, and open dialogue. Our organization aims to reflect the vibrancy and diversity of the place where we live, and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply. We have offices in Seattle and Tacoma.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

KNKX is looking for part-time, temporary hosts to help deliver our local newscasts. Hosts will fill in for regular staff on an on-call basis for weekday mornings (Morning Edition), weekday afternoons (All Things Considered) and weekend mornings (Weekend Edition Saturday and Sunday). Hosts work out of either the Seattle or Tacoma KNKX studios. These are not remote positions. This is an open-hire position, which means we are always looking for talented people and may have multiple opportunities. If your skills match our needs, please apply and we’ll be in touch. (This is a temporary, part-time role. If you are offered this position and become eligible for full-time employment in the future, KNKX will conduct a wide and inclusive recruitment process, including other candidates, per the FCC EEO rules).

Typical duties of on call/fill in-news hosts include:

• Preparing and delivering timely and accurate local newscasts that reflect a range of subject matter and geographic diversity, making sure the newscasts flow well in and out of NPR programming.
• Announcing information during breaks in programming, i.e. weather reports and timely emergency alerts, station IDs, program and station event promos. 
• Reading underwriting copy during a live newscast or recording underwriting copy for future use. 
• Operating the broadcast console, EAS (Emergency Broadcast) equipment and related radio production work (telephone and studio recording/editing equipment)
• Occasionally participate in on-air fundraising
• Perform related duties as assigned

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• On-air broadcast experience with an ability to sound like your authoritative and unique self
• Excellent news judgement and familiarity with the greater Seattle/Tacoma region
• Comfortable in high pressure situations
• Attention to detail, diligence in pronunciation and willingness to prepare copy, practice for on-air reading and a high-level commitment to quality delivery and accuracy
• Knowledge of journalistic ethics and standards
• Ability to work in a creative team environment, to communicate effectively with supervisor and colleagues, and to put KNKX’s mission and goals in action

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Live on-air experience
• Public radio broadcast or production experience 
• Experience preparing copy for on-air breaks
• News writing skills on myriad subjects and under myriad deadlines
• Familiarity with FCC requirements for legal IDs
• Familiarity with Newsboss and Adobe Audition
• Knowledge of NPR News standards
  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to use (and adapt to new) computers, phones, radio consoles, recorders, and other basic news technology
• Receive, process, and maintain information through oral and/or written communication Substantial physical movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers
• Ability to extend hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction with good eye and hand coordination.
• Lift, move, and carry up to 20 pounds on occasion

This on-call position pays $30-$40 per hour. No health or other benefits are included.