Booker, WAMU Mornings

American University•Washington, DC

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

WAMU 88.5 is a public media station owned and operated by American University. WAMU is the source for local, regional and NPR news and original programs in Washington DC. Since 1961, WAMU has been amplifying voices and sharing stories from the many neighborhoods and communities in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. The Writer/Producer/Booker is a core member of the WAMU Mornings team and a key contributor to the most essential broadcast hours of the day. Reporting to the Supervising Producer — WAMU Mornings, this role ensures the morning show delivers fast, accurate, and compelling news content that reflects the Washington region, its people, and its stories. This is a multi-platform, multi-tool newsroom role: the Writer/Producer/Booker writes newscast scripts, produces daily segments, finds and books guests, drafts digital updates, and assists with audio and script editing. On a given morning, the person in this position may write a 6 a.m. newscast, cut a two-way for 7:45, pre-interview a guest for 8:30, draft a web headline, and update scripts as stories break. The role is designed for an early-career journalist with strong writing instincts and the ability to move quickly.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
1 - 3 years of relevant experience.
1 - 3 years experience in journalism, news writing, producing, or digital reporting (internships, campus media, or freelance work accepted).
Demonstrated ability to write fast, clean, accurate news copy.
Familiarity with audio production, interviewing, or guest booking.
Ability to work under deadline pressure, especially in morning news environments.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree or equivalent.
2 - 4 years of relevant experience.
Knowledge of the Washington region’s politics, communities, and issues.
Experience producing or writing for radio, digital, or audio-first platforms.
Experience with audio editing tools (Adobe Audition, Hindenburg, Pro Tools).
Experience booking diverse guests and sourcing underrepresented voices.
Strong writing and editorial judgment.
Ability to manage multiple tasks calmly and efficiently.
Commitment to inclusive sourcing and storytelling.
Willingness to learn new tools, systems, and newsroom workflows.
Interest in developing toward a News Producer role.

Responsibilities

Write and Produce Morning Newscast Content: Quickly create accurate, concise, and compelling newscast scripts for the Morning Host across the 5–10 a.m. broadcast window. Translate complex stories into clear, audience-focused scripts anchored in WAMU’s local voice. Monitor breaking developments and update scripts frequently as news evolves. Shape notes from reporters for on-air use, ensuring clarity, polish, and editorial consistency. Draft two-way intros, host leads, and segment tee-ups as needed.
Produce Segments and Book Guests: Pitch, research, and produce daily interview segments with strong angles and clear audience value. Identify, research, and book diverse guests quickly — sometimes at the last minute. Conduct pre-interviews and prepare background materials, suggested questions, and segment briefs. Work closely with the Supervising Producer and the Morning Producer to shape narrative flow and build a balanced show. Coordinate logistics to ensure guests are prepared, available, and supported.
Provide Digital, Social and Cross-Platform Updates: Draft and publish timely digital updates, headlines, and social copy that extend the morning show’s reach. Coordinate with WAMU’s digital and engagement teams to ensure consistency of framing and tone. Monitor social, digital platforms, and real-time feedback to surface updates for use on air and online. Adapt on-air scripts for web and digital use when needed.
Edit Audio and Scripts: Edit short interviews, news spots, and segments for clarity, pacing, tone, and technical quality. Conduct initial script edits and provide first-round feedback for reporters or producers. Pull tape, assemble rough cuts, and support basic mix prep. Ensure all audio meets WAMU’s editorial and technical standards.
Serve as On-Air Backup: Serve as occasional on-air backup for newscasts or two-ways when needed. Deliver news clearly, confidently, and in alignment with WAMU’s editorial and tonal standards.