Job Title: Talk Show Host/Producer
Location: Wisconsin Public Radio
Description: This individual is primarily responsible for substitute hosting live statewide call-in talk shows including The Joy Cardin Show, The Kathleen Dunn Show, and At Issue with Ben Merens. Hosting will involve moderating live call-in discussions about topics of statewide, national, and international importance. Fill-in work will occur, on average, 15 weeks of the year but coverage for extended absences could significantly increase time on air. When not on the air, this individual will be responsible for producing talk shows. This position reports to the Talk Director.
Speific Duties & Responsibilities:
1. Keep current on issues of importance and interest to WPR listeners.
2. Host talk programming shifts for live call-in talk shows as assigned. Prepare for talk programs by doing in-depth background research and scripting. Host programs with consideration to political balance and views that differ from the status quo.
3. Operate a radio control board and Audio Vault playback software.
4. Produce live talk show interviews as assigned. This includes researching topics, pre-interviewing and scheduling guests, editing audio, and call screening.
5. Communicate show ideas with other producers and hosts via email and online calendar.
6. Produce and distribute appropriate program information internally, as well as program notes for external audiences.
7. Attend and actively participate in daily editorial meetings to suggest and discuss topics and guests.
8. Write, edit, and/or record program promotional material for on-air use.
9. Maintain an active source list (using Filemaker).
10. Participate in promotional appearances and tours as assigned.
11. Work productively and successfully with diverse, multicultural people and groups.
12. Demonstrate respect for others in all workplace relationships and interactions.
13. Participate in fundraising as assigned.
14. Attend staff meetings as assigned.
15. Other duties as assigned by Talk Director.
Essential Job Functions:
1. Knowledge of and strict adherence to the highest standards of journalistic ethics and excellence.
2. Exhibits sound judgment about, and fact-based understanding of, program topics.
3. Works independently to complete assignments with little or no assistance on individual tasks.
4. Demonstrates dexterity in using varied electronic studio equipment and computer software.
5. Maintains composure and professionalism when faced with the unexpected.
6. Possesses a voice quality/sound at or above the statewide network minimum.
7. Speaks, reads, and writes in an on-air conversational broadcast style.
8. Operates radio control board, digital audio production equipment, and computers.
Minimum Qualifications
1. Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
2. Minimum 2 years experience in broadcast journalism.
3. Experience hosting broadcast interviews.
4. Possess a vocal quality, speech pattern, and announcing style suitable for broadcast.
5. Excellent vocabulary, articulation, accurate spelling and proper use of grammar are required.
6. Strong editorial and ethical judgment.
7. Demonstrated ability to develop and pitch compelling program topics across a range of subjects.
8. Ability to successfully manage several projects that are underway simultaneously and meet firm deadlines.
9. Excellent written and oral communication skills.
10. Excellent organizational skills.
11. Experience working successfully both independently and with a variety of teams.
12. Demonstrated ability to work productively and successfully with diverse people and groups.
13. Flexible schedule, as hosting and producing assignments will require regular shift changes.
Desirable Qualifications
1. Experience in public radio talk show hosting, production or reporting.
2. Experience using radio consoles and audio playback technology during a live broadcast.
3. Knowledge of and experience with Audio Vault, Sound Forge, Adobe Audition, or similar audio editing and playback software.
4. Experience as local host of Morning Edition or All Things Considered.
5. Familiarity with Wisconsin news and politics.
6. Experience working successfully with team members in remote locations.
Salary: $39,000 to $53,000
How to Apply: Applications will be accepted until the position is filled; however, for best consideration, respond by 5 p.m. on 2/15/2012.
We encourage electronic submission of application materials. Applications must contain ALL of the following items:
1. A complete UW-Extension application form, applicant survey, and confidentiality form (You may request an MS Word formatted copy to be sent via email).
2. A detailed resume and three professional references (at least one recent supervisory reference), including email contact information.
3. A one- to two-page narrative detailing HOW your experience relates to the qualifications and duties of this position. Be certain to address each major job duty.
4. Three samples of your on-air work (e.g. talk show interviews and/or live news anchoring) demonstrating your ability to conduct both hard news and feature interviews. CD or URL link to an audio archive acceptable, MP3 preferred.
5. Two different samples of your written work (e.g. on-air scripts, news copy).
6. Recruitment source where you learned about the opening (on form)
7. Salary history.
The successful candidate will be required to provide documentation of credentials. Prior to appointment to this position, a criminal records review will be conducted. UWEX complies with the Wisconsin Fair Employment Act with regard to non-discrimination on the basis of arrest and/or conviction record. Betsy Nelson Wisconsin Public Radio 821 University Avenue Madison, WI 53706 Or call 608-262-5221; betsy.nelson@wpr.org
Contact: Betsy Nelson, betsy.nelson@wpr.org
Deadline: February 10, 2012
An EEO/Affirmative Action employer, the University of Wisconsin-Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming, including Title IX and ADA requirements. Persons of color, women and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.