Show Host

KUOW has an outstanding opportunity for a dynamic journalist and on-air storyteller to join the station to build a new broadcast program.

About the role

This role will help shape conversations that inform, engage, and connect communities across the Puget Sound region. Reporting to the Chief Content Officer, the Show Host will work closely with a producer to research, write, and deliver compelling live and recorded content on broadcast — including two-way interviews and field reporting — along with adeptly handling live conversation and audience call-ins. The position plays a central role in producing thoughtful, relevant programming that reflects the issues, voices, and experiences of the region.

The host will work closely with the producer, editor, Executive Producer, and Chief Content Officer to contribute to program development, long-range editorial planning, and continuous improvement of the show. The host will help identify story ideas, shape interview strategy, and ensure high-quality guests and conversations that meet KUOW’s journalistic standards. The role also collaborates with Community Engagement to incorporate audience feedback and strengthen connections between the station and the communities it serves.

The Show Host represents KUOW publicly — on air, online, at community events, and through social media — and serves as an ambassador for the station’s mission to create and serve a more informed public. This position also participates in additional on-air programming, including fundraising efforts.

Responsibilities

• Editorial Leadership and On-Air Hosting (70%)
  • Serve as the host of a broadcast program built around their talents and point of view.
  • Research, write, and deliver live and recorded segments.
  • Propose, prepare, and conduct interviews.
  • Originate story ideas and produce field-based reports.
  • Maintain strong knowledge of the local cultural scene.
  • Cultivate and sustain sources.
  • Contribute to editorial planning and program development with producers.
  • Provide input on guest selection to ensure quality, relevance, and balance.
  • Participate in ongoing program performance review and improvement processes.
  • Collaborate with newsroom teams to elevate content.
• Audience Engagement and Public Representation (5%)
  • Engage audiences through social media and digital platforms.
  • Work with Community Engagement to incorporate listener feedback and identify information needs.
  • Represent KUOW at public events and community appearances.
  • Develop and write companion digital content, including online posts.
• Collaboration and Strategic Contribution (20%)
  • Work jointly with the Executive Producer and Chief Content Officer on long-range editorial strategy.
  • Contribute ideas that strengthen program quality, audience relevance, and innovation.
  • Participate in regular editorial reviews and program evaluation.
  • Support station-wide initiatives as needed.
• Additional Responsibilities (5%)
  • Perform other occasional on-air duties, including fundraising broadcasts.
  • Support special programming and live events.
  • Carry out additional duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism or communications and five years of professional broadcast experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience in on-air hosting, scriptwriting, and audio production.
• Strong understanding of professional journalistic standards and ethics.
• Experience producing broadcast programming.
• Ability to work effectively across live and recorded formats.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment under deadline pressure.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in public media.
• Experience engaging audiences across digital platforms.
• Familiarity with collaborative content team workflows.

About KUOW

KUOW Puget Sound Public Radio is Seattle’s NPR news station. We are an independent, nonprofit news organization producing award-winning journalism, podcasts, and events in service to the 3.9 million people in our coverage area. As a self-sustaining service of the University of Washington, our mission is to create and serve a more informed public with a vision to broaden conversations and deepen understanding.

Pay

Annual pay range: $108,948 – $129,096

Schedule

First shift, full-time (100% FTE). This is a regular position eligible for hybrid/telework, consistent with station needs. On-site presence is required for studio work and public events as assigned.

Benefits

For information about benefits for this position, visit UW staff benefits.