Host
Last updated: March 19, 2026
UW CODE AND REPRESENTATIVE GROUP
25561 (E S SAG-AFTRA)
25560 (NE S SAG-AFTRA)
25559 (NE H SAG-AFTRA)
CLASS SERIES CONCEPT
Serve as on-air voice for a core programming series for KUOW broadcast or daily podcast. Generate multimedia content via audio, print, or video for KUOW programming. Host and moderate special KUOW live events.
This is a single-class series.
BASIC FUNCTION
Host and deliver compelling, informative news content for core programming for KUOW broadcast or daily podcast. Collaborate with content staff to develop thoughtful, relevant topics in a face-paced news environment. Maintain knowledge of the local and national news landscape. Conduct two-way interviews with local and national figures. Give editorial guidance on scripting and final product. Develop editorial plans with unique perspectives accounting for current topics and future events.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Serve as the on-air or daily podcast voice, delivering informative and engaging news content for a KUOW show. Host recorded segments and live host, including live-edit interviews, breaking news and special coverage segments. Exercise judgment with minimum editorial direction on-air to advance stories during live interviews. Support the growth of KUOW’s on-air and digital presence. Apply editorial insight to
identify relevant topics and guests that resonate with the KUOW audience. Serve as voice for special coverage.
TYPICAL WORK
Collaborate with content staff to prepare thoughtful, informative topics in a news environment.
Write, edit, generate and deliver timely well-researched news programming with a professional on-mic presence.
Create and present local newscasts as a part of a broader news magazine format.
Stay up to date on local news landscape to offer context to national stories.
Host special coverage segments and any KUOW broadcast program.
Host live programming.
Propose, prepare, and conduct live interviews and live-edit interviews.
Identify and build relationships with community partners and storytellers, with a commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices.
Serve as a reliable voice in breaking news and special coverage.
Originate reports; write and generate filed segments.
Contribute to long-range editorial planning including booking and conducting interviews with newsmakers or KUOW staff and pitching programming ideas.
Provide input and feedback on selection of guests to ensure quality interviewees.
Contribute to regular reviews of program performance in consultation with content leadership.
Develop, write and post digital articles.
Serve as public representative for KUOW, making public appearances on behalf of the station and interacting with the audience via social media.
Lead and/or co-host community discussions, live events or debates.
Perform other duties as assigned, including on-air work, such as hosting and on-air fundraising.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree and five years professional broadcast experience including news and public affairs production management and live hosting.
Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.
CLASS SERVICE EXEMPTION
Public Information: Managerial or professional level positions having substantial responsibility for planning and directing the development and communication of information designed to keep the public informed of the institution’s programs, accomplishments, and point of view. Individuals exercise discretion in determining content of written copy. Other duties may include creating ideas, laying out artwork, contacting media representatives, and representing the institution directly before the general public.
CLASS SPECIFICATION HISTORY
02/01/2026: New Class as negotiated with SAG-AFTRA to consolidate the work of the following job profiles: News Host, Show Host, Producer/Host – Community Engagement.