News Podcast Host/Producer

hubbardbroadcasting; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Hubbard Broadcasting in Washington, DC seeks an experienced host/reporter for WTOP's podcast and news operation. Responsibilities include writing and voicing intros, selecting stories, and crafting transitions for hourly episodes, with a focus on current events and local impact.

The role requires on-air experience, tight writing, interview skills, and the ability to edit audio and video. Remote work is available occasionally, with deadlines in a fast-paced newsroom that prizes accuracy, ethics,

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years on-air experience in radio, podcasting or video news.
• Deep knowledge of the Washington, DC market and regional dynamics relevant to a local audience.
• Strong news judgment—know what leads, holds and what gets cut.
• Exceptional writing for the ear: tight, conversational and compelling.
• Strong interview skills.
• Broadcast-quality voice and delivery.
• Exceptional audio and video editing skills (Adobe Audition & Premiere).
• Proven ability to work on deadline and multitask.

Responsibilities

• Write and voice original intros, outros, transitions and topical framing for each hourly episode.
• 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.

Skills

On-air experience

News judgment

Interview skills

Written for the ear

Broadcast-quality voice

Leadership

Communication

Independent worker

Punctual

Professional appearance

Diversity teamwork

Transportation

Remote work flexibility

Education

Degree in Journalism or Communications

Tools

Adobe Audition

Adobe Premiere

Podcast CMS

Burli

Job description

• 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

• 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. Remote work is available on an occasional basis for this position.

Preferred:

• 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

Physical requirements

• Sit for extended periods of time
• Manual dexterity to manipulate computer keys, office equipment and other controls for extended periods of time
• Ability to communicate in English both verbally and in writing
• Ability to follow both oral and written direction
• Requires the ability to think critically, quickly and tactically, and to articulate information in a clear, concise manner to others
• Have sufficient hearing and vision to evaluate the performance of audio and video
• Must be able to quickly assess situations, anticipate needs of others and act promptly.