All Things Considered Host/Reporter
Pacific Public Media
Seattle
,
WA
Application Deadline: Sunday, Jul 31, 2022
Description
We’re looking for a journalist who is not afraid to lean into challenging topics of conversation while also understanding that there’s always a place for joy and humor in a news show. The ideal candidate is passionate about delivering daily news for a local audience, realizes the responsibilities a news host must carry forth during a live show, and is a creative thinker with a voracious appetite for stories of all kinds. You’re comfortable behind a microphone – as both a talker and a listener. You’re unrattled during high pressure situations and driven to include the voices of those who have been underrepresented and historically marginalized in the media. You’re looking for a collaborative and ambitious team of journalists to work with; a public radio newsroom that doesn’t sound like every other public radio station that’s out there; and an organization that is making inroads into looking and sounding more like the dynamic and diverse region that we call home.
If this sounds like you, even if you don’t meet every job requirement listed below, let’s talk.
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 dual-format 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, including:
- Medical
- Dental
- Voluntary vision/life insurance
- 401K
- Flexible spending account
- Employee assistance programs
- Generous vacation and paid holidays
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The All Things Considered Host/Reporter writes and anchors live regional newscasts and interviews and delivers other critical information. When not on air, the host is reporting feature or spot stories and doing interviews with a wide range of individuals who deepen our connection to our region and give context to the headlines making news. The salary range for this position is $72K-$82K a year. This is a Monday-Friday position based either out of our Seattle or our Tacoma stations. The position reports to the News Director. All KNKX employees must provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination prior to the job start date.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Prepares and delivers timely and accurate regional newscasts that reflect a range of subject matter and geographic diversity, making sure the newscasts flow well in and out of NPR programming.
- Announces information during breaks in programming, i.e. weather reports and timely emergency alerts, station IDs, program and station event promos.
- Coordinate traffic reports with local traffic reporters
- Hosts interviews (taped or live) with newsmakers, community members and KNKX reporters.
- Operates the KNKX console, EAS (Emergency Broadcast) equipment and related radio production work (telephone and studio recording/editing equipment).
- In collaboration with the All Things Considered producer, produces high-quality reports on important events and issues under myriad deadlines.
- Initiates ideas for news stories and accepts story assignments from the News Director and Assistant News Director.
- Plays an active role in KNKX on-air fund drives.
- Assists in the preparation of station promos and announcements.
- Actively involved in station projects.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Experience reporting high quality radio and online news – research, interviewing and writing skills.
- Experience hosting a news broadcast – strong announcing and broadcast writing skills.
- Knowledge of journalistic ethics and standards — specifically the standards of NPR News.
- Experience with studio equipment and operations.
- Skills and ability to use (and adapt to new) computers, phones, radio consoles, recorders, digital camera, and other basic news technology.
- Ability to work under deadline pressure; make the best of limited resources; attend remote events; and respond effectively to diverse and fast-changing circumstances.
- 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.
- Ability to carry a news reporter kit to interviews, meetings, and other news events. The individual must possess these skills and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential function of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities.
- Understands and supports the KNKX Mission Statement, KNKX Principles and Values Statement and KNKX’s Diversity Statement.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- At least two years of live on-air radio experience with an ability to sound like your authoritative and unique self
- Excellent news judgment
- At least five years of public radio or production experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Broadcasting, Journalism or equivalent experience.
- Cultural competency to help us better connect with our region’s widely diverse communities
- This position requires SAG-AFTRA membership.
- All KNKX employees must provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination prior to the job start date.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Knowledge of public radio principles and standards, as well as FCC requirements for legal IDs regulations a plus.
- Knowledge of a second language that better connects us to the many ethnic communities of the Seattle/Tacoma region.
- Familiarity with Newsboss, Audiovault and Adobe Audition
- Familiarity with the greater Seattle/Tacoma region