Weekend Edition Saturday/Sunday Host

About us:

At KNKX we work hard to create a culture where employees feel valued and respected. Employees are trusted and encouraged to be a part of process improvements that impact their work, create value for our customers, and help build trust in public media.

KNKX is a Puget Sound area public media company, dedicated to bringing jazz, blues, regional news, and NPR programs to the Northwest and beyond. As an independent dual-format station, KNKX employees are energized in their mission to provide the very best service to an audience of nearly a million on-air and online, to engage closely with community members and the public media industry to constantly improve and innovate, and to present music and stories that educate, inspire, and expand horizons. KNKX offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package, including Medical, dental, voluntary vision/life insurance, 401K, flexible spending account, employee assistance programs, and generous vacation and paid holidays. Note: Hourly positions are not eligible for benefits at this time.

KNKX is committed to looking and sounding more like the dynamic and diverse region that we call home. Learn more in our diversity statement.

We will be hiring one or possibly two people for the roles.

Who we are looking for:

Are you comfortable behind a microphone – as both a talker and a listener? Are you composed during high-pressure situations and passionate about amplifying the voices of those who have been underrepresented and historically marginalized in the media? Are you looking to join a collaborative, diverse and ambitious team of journalists that produce truly unique and compelling content? Do you enjoy starting your day before the sun rises?

We’re seeking a part-time host to act as a companion and guide for our weekend audience. The ideal candidate is excited about delivering local news, understands the responsibilities of a live host, and is a creative thinker with a voracious appetite for stories of all kinds-including those focused on joy and humor. As The Weekend Edition Host you will be empowered to write and anchor live regional newscasts, interview interesting personalities and deliver other critical information. When not on the air, the host prepares the show by scanning local and social media; monitoring traffic and weather reports; doing quick turnaround phone interviews, cutting them up and writing copy.

This is a Saturday and/or Sunday position based either out of our Seattle or Tacoma studios. This is an hourly position and the rate range for this position is $37.01 - $39.66. This position reports to the News Director.

If this sounds like you, even if you don’t meet every job requirement listed below, apply today by clicking on the link below.

Some of what you will be doing:

• Assist in the preparation of station promos and announcements.
• Operate the KNKX console, EAS (Emergency Broadcast) equipment and related radio production work (telephone and studio recording/editing equipment).
• Prepare and deliver timely and accurate regional newscasts that reflect a range of subject matter and geographic diversity, making sure the newscasts flow well in and out of NPR programming.
• Complete story assignments from the News Director and Assistant News Director.
• Initiate ideas for news stories
• Announce information during breaks in programming, i.e. weather reports and timely emergency alerts, station IDs, program and station event promos.

Desired education and experience:

• One year of radio production or podcasting experience.
• Experience reporting and producing high quality radio and online news – research, interviewing, audio production and writing skills.
• Six months of live on-air radio experience with an ability to sound like your authoritative and unique self.
• Bachelor's degree in Broadcasting, Journalism or equivalent experience.
• Experience with studio equipment and operations.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ability to work in a creative team environment, to communicate effectively with supervisor and colleagues, and to put KNKX's mission and goals in action.
• Cultural competency to help us better connect with our region’s widely diverse communities.
• Excellent news judgment and fact-checking skills
• Ability to work under deadline pressure; make the best of limited resources; attend remote events; and respond effectively to diverse and fast-changing circumstances.
• Skills and ability to use (and adapt to new) computers, phones, radio consoles, recorders, digital camera, and other basic news technology.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of a second language that better connects us to the many ethnic communities of the Seattle/Tacoma region.
• Knowledge of public radio principles and standards, as well as FCC requirements for legal IDs regulations a plus.
• Familiarity with the greater Seattle/Tacoma region
• Knowledge of journalistic ethics and standards - specifically the standards of NPR News.
• Knowledge of AP Style
• Familiarity with Newsboss, Audiovault and Adobe Audition

Additional Conditions of employment:

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position. All KNKX employees must provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination prior to the job start date.

We value diverse perspectives and life experiences. We employ and serve people of all backgrounds including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, and veterans. We value the unique traits and attributes that each employee brings to the job. Through the diverse perspectives of an inclusive workforce, we will create a more respectful, productive, and unified team to better serve the public in the Puget Sound region. For inquiries about this position, contact HR Coordinator Jenna Chapman at [email protected].

KNKX’s Vision is to grow our audience and become a more inclusive

organization that brings joy, meaning and understanding into people’s lives

KNKX is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex (including gender identity), marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process, during the recruitment process, or who need this job announcement in an alternative format, may contact the Human Resources Office at [email protected]). You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor it.

The hiring manager has the right to close this recruitment at any time therefore it would be in your best interest to apply early. Applicants will be reviewed weekly.