Morning Edition Host

KUER, NPR Utah; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 55,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Transit pass

Paid leave

Tuition reduction

Job summary

KUER, NPR Utah seeks a broadcaster and journalist to serve as local host of Morning Edition, connecting Utahns with NPR’s reporting while offering a uniquely Utah lens.

You will write, produce and deliver on-air news, operate the board for NPR feeds, and collaborate with editors to uphold KUER’s audience-centric mission across multiple platforms.

This role requires early mornings, strong interviewing and storytelling abilities, and a commitment to accuracy, fairness, and public service.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of professional on-air hosting and broadcast journalism experience
• Portfolio demonstrating strong on-air presence compatible with NPR aesthetics and interviewing, broadcast and digital writing and audio production skills
• Experience with board operation and familiarity with broadcast systems and news software (Wide Orbit, Content Depot, Burli, AP products, Audition, ProTools) and AP style knowledge

Responsibilities

• Serves as primary KUER host and trusted local voice during NPR’s Morning Edition
• Hosts additional morning programming as directed
• Operates the board to mix NPR satellite feed and live breaks including newscasts, weather, promotions and sponsorship
• Writes, produces and delivers on-air news with contributions from KUER reporters and editors
• Participates in regular airchecks and editorial meetings to improve promotion strategy and on-air presence
• Adheres to deadlines and makes timely decisions for breaking news
• Works with editors to create journalism that supports KUER’s audience-centric mission
• Prioritizes Utah-focused reporting across multiple platforms including written, audio and video
• Ensures work meets NPR News and KUER standards for accuracy and impartiality
• Participates in community events and KUER fund drives
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

On-air hosting

Broadcast journalism

Interviews

Digital writing

Audio production

Team collaboration

Deadline management

Tools

Wide Orbit

Content Depot

Burli

Audition

ProTools

Job description

KUER is looking for a broadcaster and journalist ready to connect with Utahns as local host of NPR’s “Morning Edition.” The host serves as a trusted guide to NPR’s national and international reporting and storytelling. They also give the station its uniquely Utah lens by offering local information to help people begin their day, sharing KUER’s service-oriented reporting and facilitating conversations that help everyone understand the Beehive State and meet their neighbors.

Responsibilities:

• Serves as primary KUER host and trusted local voice during NPR’s “Morning Edition.”
• Hosts additional morning programming as directed
• Following the station programming log, operates the board to mix NPR satellite feed and live breaks, including newscast, weather, station promotion and pre-produced sponsorship
• Writes, produces and delivers on-air news with contributions from KUER reporters, editors and in collaboration with the Morning Edition producer. Produces on-demand news with producer
• Participates in regular airchecks with station manager to implement KUER’s promotion strategy and develop on-air presence
• Adheres to deadlines and, in concert with editors, makes timely and effective decisions for breaking news
• Works closely with other staff and under the supervision of the editorial team in identifying, developing and creating journalism that supports KUER’s audience-centric mission
• Prioritizes understanding the issues that matter most to Utahns to report and produce interviews and stories across multiple platforms including written, audio and video
• Ensures all work meets NPR News and KUER standards for accuracy, fairness, honesty and impartiality, including the station’s Standards of Integrity document
• Participates in regular newsroom editorial meetings, one-on-one check-ins, airchecks and station meetings
• Actively participates in KUER fund drives and represents KUER at community and station events
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• 3-5 years of professional on‑air hosting and broadcast journalism experience with a commitment to growth and innovation
• A portfolio demonstrating strong on‑air presence compatible with current NPR aesthetics as well as interviewing, broadcast and digital writing and audio production skills
• Experience in board operation and familiarity with broadcast systems (Wide Orbit and Content Depot), news software (Burli, AP products) and digital audio software (Audition, ProTools, etc.)
• Sound news judgment and knowledge of journalistic best practices, including experience with AP style
• Enthusiasm for creative storytelling that centers the audience, serves their needs and includes perspectives from across Utah
• Strong commitment to a collaborative editorial process
• Understanding of local and national politics
• Excellent communicator, team player and problem solver with demonstrated human relations skills
• Ability to maintain a reliable and consistent schedule and thrive during demanding early morning hours
• Commitment to appearing on multiple platforms beyond broadcast radio such as video, social media and TV broadcast
• Willingness to grow and change with KUER and KUER News as we adapt to evolving audience habits and needs
• Preferred: Knowledge of Utah culture and politics
• Preferred: The ability to write and speak fluently in a second language
• Preferred: An active and engaging social media presence

About KUER:

KUER serves Utahns with trustworthy news and information, expertly crafted stories, plus conversations and diverse voices from around our state. To provide this essential public service, we’re dedicated to building an organizational culture that prioritizes collaboration. We seek a team that reflects our entire community, and we encourage contributions from people of various experiences. We are committed to attracting and retaining a staff whose perspectives are heard and valued. This is essential to our success.

Benefits:

• Health, dental, and wellness coverage
• 14.2% employer contribution to personal retirement account (401a)
• Free public transportation pass (Utah Transit Authority)
• Paid leave time
• University of Utah tuition reduction for employee and family members

… and more: https://www.hr.utah.edu/benefits/