News Podcast Host/Producer

2060 Digital•Friendship Heights Village, MD

20h•Hybrid

About The Position

WTOP is seeking a News Podcast Host/Producer to write and voice original content for hourly episodes, provide context, and connect the dots for listeners. This role involves selecting and sequencing stories to lead with what matters most, updating copy, and recording within tight hourly windows while maintaining a polished, conversational delivery. The position also includes handling basic recording, editing, and podcast assembly, publishing episodes in audio and video formats, conducting weekly interviews with local newsmakers and experts, appearing in video for WTOP's digital platforms, and recording/editing video clips for web/social media. Additionally, the role may involve writing articles for the web, upholding journalistic integrity and ethics, and participating in audience development through cross-promotion, social/video promo creation, and analytics review.

Requirements

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.

Nice To Haves

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

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.