What are the responsibilities and job description for the On-Air Host/Operations Assistant position at WHYY?
About WHYY
WHYY serves the Philadelphia region with trusted journalism, eye-opening storytelling and intimate local arts programming. Our curiosity and commitment to this community is what drives our programming. It’s also what drives our hiring.
Below you’ll find an employment opportunity in the fast-paced setting of the Philadelphia region’s leading public media provider. The award-winning professional staff of WHYY sets the bar high in television, radio and online. Whether it’s preparing a program to air or a behind-the-scenes role in support, all positions are vital to continuing—and growing—our impact in our community.
WHYY offers a voice to those not heard, a platform to share everyone’s stories, a foundation to empower early and lifelong learners and a trusted space for unbiased news. Learn more about our Social Responsibility Program. It’s how we live.
About the Role
WHYY seeks a versatile and dynamic on-air professional to serve as a fill-in host across morning, mid-day, and afternoon newscasts. The ideal candidate has exceptional news judgment, a warm and conversational on-air presence, and the technical ability to self-engineer live broadcasts. A strong familiarity with the Greater Philadelphia region, including South Jersey and Delaware, is essential, as is a passion for current events and storytelling that reflects the interests and diversity of our audience.
In addition to fill-in hosting duties, this position plays a key role in radio operations management, including editing, uploading, and scheduling promotional messaging and underwriting credits for WHYY's on-air and digital platforms. The role also serves as the primary backup to the Operations Specialist for creating and maintaining the daily radio program log, ensuring all programming and sponsorship elements air accurately and on time.
The Host/Operations Assistant combines technical precision with on-air creativity to ensure a smooth and consistent broadcast, while serving as a trusted voice for WHYY across radio, digital, and community platforms. The role also supports station and client events, strengthening connections with WHYY listeners and partners.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Write, edit, curate, and deliver local newscasts with a strong understanding of regional and national issues.
- Operate a live control board, managing transitions between local and national programming, underwriting spots, and promos.
- Host and produce live, unscripted interviews with newsmakers, artists, and cultural figures.
- Produce original live and pre-recorded content, including field production and multitrack audio editing.
- Represent WHYY at community, member, and client events.
- Host or co-host special projects and live coverage as assigned.
OPERATIONS & PRODUCTION SUPPORT
- Edit, upload, and schedule all on-air promotional messages and underwriting credits, ensuring accuracy, timing, and compliance with WHYY and FCC guidelines.
- Create, manage, and distribute daily broadcast logs, incorporating last-minute updates and performing quality control checks.
- Produce daily and weekend audio promos and record underwriting spots for FM and digital platforms (streaming, WHYY app, etc.).
- Monitor underwriting scripts to ensure adherence to WHYY standards.
- Write live-read copy promoting WHYY programming, membership, and events.
- Edit and repurpose cross-platform audio content from WHYY Television and other projects.
- Maintain FM transmitter text system (RBDS) and update as needed.
OTHER RESPONSIBILITES
- Actively support WHYY’s mission to reflect and engage the full diversity of our region.
- Participate in performance reviews with program management.
- Maintain consistent, reliable attendance and perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree required.
Experience: Minimum two years in radio broadcasting with experience hosting live programming and creating high-quality journalism. Experience with broadcast logs, traffic systems, or radio operations is a plus.
Technical Skills:
- Strong proficiency in audio editing and digital content management.
- Demonstrated ability to operate control boards and manage live broadcasts.
- Exceptional attention to detail, accuracy, and ability to multitask under pressure.
*This position is represented by SAG-AFTRA.