Show Host

KUOW Public Radio; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 109,000 - 129,000; Full time

Job summary

KUOW Puget Sound Public Radio in Seattle seeks a dynamic Show Host to build and lead a new broadcast program, shaping conversations that inform and engage communities across the Puget Sound region.

Reporting to the Chief Content Officer, you will research, write, and deliver compelling live and recorded segments, conduct interviews, manage audience call-ins, and collaborate with production, editorial, and community teams to elevate local storytelling.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Serve as host of a broadcast program built around the host’s talents and POV.
• Research, write, and deliver live and recorded segments.
• Propose, prepare, and conduct interviews.
• Originate story ideas and produce field-based reports.
• Maintain knowledge of the local cultural scene.
• Cultivate and sustain sources.
• Contribute to editorial planning and program development with producers.
• Provide input on guest selection for quality, relevance, and balance.
• Participate in program performance reviews and improvements.
• Collaborate with newsroom teams to elevate content.
• Engage audiences through social media and digital platforms.
• Represent KUOW at public events and in communities.
• Develop and write companion digital content.

Skills

On-air hosting

Scriptwriting

Audio production

Journalistic standards

Broadcast programming

Live and recorded formats

Interpersonal communication

Verbal communication

Deadline pressure

Education

Bachelor’s degree in journalism or communications

Job description

Job Description

KUOW has an outstanding opportunity for a Show Host to join their team.

About This Opportunity

This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic journalist and on-air storyteller to join the station to build a new broadcast program. 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. This position will play a central role in producing thoughtful, relevant programming that reflects the issues, voices, and experiences of our region.

Working closely with the producer, editor, Executive Producer, and Chief Content Officer, the Show Host will 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 will participate in additional on‑air programming, including fundraising efforts.

Key Duties And Responsibilities

Editorial Leadership and On-Air Hosting (Primary Focus) (70%)

• Serve as the host of a broadcast program built around their talents and POV.
• 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.

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Manager.

• 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.

Working Conditions

• Position is suitable/eligible for hybrid/ telework, consistent with station needs.
• Will need to be on‑site for studio work.
• Ability to represent KUOW at public events when assigned.

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.

Compensation, Benefits And Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$108,948.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum

$129,096.00 annual

Benefits

Other Compensation:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent)

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit

SAG-AFTRA - Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists - KUOW

About The UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [e-mail].

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.