KTOO is looking for someone to be the voice of Juneau in the morning. The hours are early and often lonely (for the first half, at least), but this role is the station’s most public facing and a critical line to our audience each and every day.
The morning host’s job consists of arriving at the station early in the morning hours begin pulling together news reports from our newsroom and around the state. They combine those into three newscasts per hour, along with weather updates and promotional breaks. The host is live on the air from 6 a.m. to 8:30 every weekday morning, excluding holidays. Once the morning news is over, the host switches gears to preparing for the next day, recording two-way interviews with reporters or other locals of interest and contributing to some of the podcasts and other programming that KTOO produces. They also host live radio coverage on occasion.
The hours for this position are 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. We’re looking for someone who is not afraid to be themselves on the radio, and who can live in the moment, connecting what’s coming from NPR to what matters to people in Juneau.
This is not an entry level position. The ideal candidate should be comfortable hosting live radio, know their way around a studio and have some experience running a board, either for a job or as a volunteer. It’s okay if that experience isn’t in public radio, but you should be familiar with some of the equipment and be ready and able to learn quickly.
Even if you don’t have the experience now, you’ll eventually become an expert in KTOO’s broadcast equipment and will be the go-to person in the newsroom for understanding how everything works.
This position reports to the Managing Editor for News, but will also work closely with programming and operations staff.
Responsibilities:
- Package and deliver several hourly newscasts and station breaks during local broadcast of Morning Edition and Here & Now
- Combine program promotion, community information and other elements – including improvisation – to create a compelling listener experience
- Rewrite promo copy and lightly edit news stories for seamless transitions between national and local content
- Operate the studio board while hosting, sometimes under pressure in breaking news situations
- Pre-record interviews and reporter two-ways to use during program
- Occasionally host other special programs and live news coverage
- Assist with the production of other station content, such as podcasts and promos
- Exercise independent judgment and work with news staff to ensure timely and appropriate delivery during breaking news and major events
- Attend daily news meetings
Successful candidates will likely have the following skills and competencies OR demonstrate that they have equivalent skills based on lived experience:
- At least 2 years of experience working in a live broadcast environment
- Familiarity and comfort with using broadcast equipment and live delivery of news
- Confidence in your own voice and in being yourself on the radio
- Excellent writing skills, proven news judgment, and journalistic integrity
- Enthusiasm for local news
- Demonstrated strategic thinking about news priorities and pulling together a newscast
- Ability to stay calm under pressure when technology fails, plus a willingness to learn new equipment and operations
- Ability to work on deadline in a live environment and stay accurate and composed – that sometimes may require improvisation under
About Us:
KTOO has a mid-sized newsroom in a small market. Our editorial focus is a mix of stories of local and statewide importance. Our reporters focus on city governance, housing, tourism & other local economic drivers, social justice, Alaska Native culture and governance, health and science, and climate.
KTOO supports station-wide efforts to increase diversity and inclusion. The newsroom is committed to consciously seeking out voices, perspectives and stories not found in other outlets or in the media at all.
We also know that a diverse and inclusive staff will lead to stronger reporting and a deeper connection to communities we serve. We strongly encourage women and non-binary candidates; Alaska Native, Indigenous and people of color; people with disabilities and those with diverse economic and educational backgrounds to apply. You will be supported by our team.
KTOO is honored to do our work on the homelands of the Lingít people, specifically, the Áak’w Kwáan. We are a highly visible public media organization with a strong commitment to local, regional and statewide program production. We operate three public radio stations in Juneau (KTOO, KRNN and KXLL), a regional public television station (KTOO-TV), a statewide public affairs television channel (KTOO 360TV) and an online news service (www.ktoo.org).
Compensation: Annual salary between $55,490 and $60,970 plus competitive benefits including health insurance, retirement, generous paid leave and holidays, and 20 weeks of paid family leave.
Location: Juneau, Alaska
Apply online: https://www.ktoo.org/job-opportunities/apply-online/
Application Deadline: Open until filled with an initial screening of candidates beginning Monday, October 14, 2024.
KTOO is an Equal Opportunity Employer
KTOO Public Media would like to acknowledge the Áak’w Kwáan. Our broadcast studios are on their ancestral homeland. Our building sits on fill that was once tideland and part of what was called the Indian Village. The families of the Juneau Indian Village, like their ancestors, cherish and depend upon their immediate connection to the waterfront. KTOO is working to lift up Tlingit voices and the Tlingit language. Please excuse us for our mistakes and gunalchéesh for your patience as we learn.
