Program Host- Forum

Job Description

Forum is one of the country’s most listened-to local radio shows. For more than three decades, it has helped lead the conversation in the Bay Area and California, and provided a unique opportunity for KQED to connect with and hear from our audience. Forum is not just any radio program. The show in its current form helps provide essential news and authentic conversations on the country’s most popular public radio station. We hope our next host helps lead the team to embrace that tradition, but grow the show to reach and serve a younger and more diverse audience. 

In today’s environment, with major changes to the workplace and our economy, and a reckoning with our country’s history of white supremacy, we are seeking a new host for the first hour of Forum that can help connect with and serve new audiences. 

The host of Forum is knowledgeable and comfortable leading interviews and conversation with guests and the audience on a broad range of topics, with curiosity, respect and empathy. The Forum host is most likely an experienced broadcast journalist who upholds the high production standards and journalism tenets of KQED News. The Forum host thrives on responding to breaking news and holding public officials accountable. They are insatiably curious and love to explore new ideas and celebrate the diversity of Northern California. 

One of our core beliefs at KQED is that we are better together, and that we commit to grow and improve each day, and hold ourselves accountable when we fall short of that commitment. And when we do not stick to our values, our actions marginalize people in society — including Black, Indigenous, and all people of color, people with disabilities, and LGBTQIA+ people. We believe that these communities must be centered in the work we do, and we strongly encourage applicants from these communities.

Essential Functions:

1. Daily hosting of KQED’s Forum talk show hour from 9-10 am.
2. Work with KQED’s editors, producers and reporters to deliver distinctive journalism, textured storytelling, and deep conversations. 
3. Work with the Executive Editor of KQED and show producers to build an inclusive and collaborative team culture.
4. Writes scripts, researches topics, and prepares interview questions 

Knowledge/Experience Required:

1. Demonstrated track record in broadcast, print and/or online journalism. Experience in hosting a talk radio program desired. 
2. Engaging and accessible presence on audio journalism platforms.
3. Experience of and aptitude for building a strong, collaborative and inclusive team culture.
4. Excellent writing and editing skills.
5. Excellent live interviewing and interpersonal communication skills.
6. Strong news judgment.
7. Demonstrated editorial coverage planning experience.
8. Working knowledge of a broad range of issues and subjects such as government and politics, economics, education, health,  legal affairs, and the environment.  Demonstrated interest in literature and the arts preferred.
9. Thorough knowledge of journalistic principles, ethics and standards.
10. Demonstrated ability to work under strict deadlines.
11. Demonstrated ability to handle late-breaking program changes under pressure.
12. Ability to contribute with a digital platform lens on all the content produced by the show

Knowledge/Experience Desired:

1. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent broadcast news gathering, editing and/or production experience.
2. Excellent knowledge of Northern California’s news, politics, history and diverse communities.
3. Familiarity with social media.
4. Longform story-telling/enterprise diverse reporting experience

Let us tell you more about our benefits:

Whether you’re single, married, have children, are in a domestic partnership or anything in between, we have you covered. Employees at KQED enjoy a family-friendly workplace offering 20 days of paid time off, 11 paid holidays, paid parental leave, family medical leave benefits, comprehensive health/vision/dental and commuter benefits as well as a 403(b) plan. KQED encourages diversity, openness and offers training to support personal and professional development. In addition, we are proud to offer Employee Resource Groups, wellness programs as well as free KQED membership.

The mission that drives us:

KQED is for everyone who wants to be more.    

Our television, radio, digital media, and educational services change lives for the better and help individuals and communities achieve their full potential.

KQED serves the people of Northern California with a community-supported alternative to commercial media.    

We provide people with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions; convene community dialogue; bring the arts to everyone and engage audiences to share their stories. We help students and teachers thrive in 21st-century classrooms, and take people of all ages on journeys of exploration- exposing them to new people, places and ideas.

We celebrate diversity, embrace innovation, value lifelong learning and partner with those who share our passion for public services.

To apply, send your resume with a cover letter to eric@journalismnext.com

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