Producer and Host, Morning Edition

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

This position elevates WHYY’s Morning Edition broadcast by creating a new role that will act as both an on-air voice and behind-the-scenes producer. Working closely with the lead Morning Edition host, the producer and host helps shape WHYY’s local presentation during morning drive by identifying timely stories and conversations, preparing interviews and program elements, and responding to breaking and developing news. The producer and host also provides dedicated support for story development, guest booking, live production, digital content, remote broadcasts, and special programming.

Working with the FM programming team, the producer and host creates and adapts content for broadcast, podcast, livestream, video, and social platforms. The role requires someone with multifaceted skills. They must have excellent journalistic judgement. They must excel as a conversational live broadcaster and thrive as a behind-the-scenes producer capable of booking guests and using audio production skills to ensure Morning Edition is relevant and dynamic.

Crucially, this all must be done while collaborating with the lead morning edition host to create an alluring, trusted and compelling program. The ideal candidate is curious, collaborative, organized, and creative, with strong editorial instincts and a talent for finding compelling stories and guests. They are comfortable working in a live environment, can pivot quickly as stories develop, and understand how to extend great radio content across platforms to reach new audiences. This position requires an early-morning schedule aligned with WHYY’s live Morning Edition broadcast. Shift hours will be 4a-12p.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

- Work closely with the lead Morning Edition host to plan and produce WHYY’s local presentation of the program, identifying timely stories, interviews, and content that strengthen the morning broadcast.

- Monitor breaking and developing news, weather, traffic, and other information, responding quickly to changing program needs during the live broadcast.

- Research, write, and edit local breaks, interview briefs, billboards, promotional copy, web content, and other materials supporting broadcast and digital distribution.

- Identify and book compelling guests for Morning Edition and other FM Programming initiatives, coordinate interviews, schedules, and pre-production logistics

- Produce live and recorded programming, including studio production, audio editing, control room support, livestream coordination, and timely delivery of assigned content

- Research, develop, and pitch original story ideas for other FM Programming initiatives that reflect audience interests and the issues, people, and conversations shaping the region

- Adapt and extend radio content across podcasts, livestreams, web, video, and social media to increase audience reach and engagement

- Support the lead Morning Edition host’s presence beyond the daily broadcast, identifying opportunities for digital content, social video, special programming, community engagement, and other multi-platform initiatives

- Help plan and produce remote broadcasts, live events, political forums, and community-based programming

- Collaborate with WHYY News, Digital Studios, Audience Engagement, Communications, and other content teams to identify story opportunities and maximize the reach and impact of locally produced content

- Use audience insights and platform performance to inform story selection, content development, and opportunities to better serve and grow audiences.

- Stay current with emerging audio production tools, digital storytelling techniques, and audience engagement best practices; perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, media, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience. Candidates should have a strong interest in local and regional issues, current events, arts, culture, and the stories and conversations that matter to Greater Philadelphia audiences.

Experience: At least three years of experience in radio, audio, broadcast, podcast, or multimedia production. Experience working in a live production environment and under tight deadlines is strongly preferred. Candidates should have a proven ability to develop compelling story ideas, conduct thorough research, book and prepare guests, and produce engaging interviews and program content.

Technical Skills: Experience with professional audio editing software such as Pro Tools or comparable platforms. Familiarity with live studio production, digital publishing tools, content management systems, livestreaming, and social media platforms is preferred. Candidates should be comfortable learning and adapting to new production tools and technologies.

*This position is represented by SAG-AFTRA.