WLRH 89.3 FM, North Alabama’s public radio station, is seeking a News Director / Morning Show Host to lead our local news operation and anchor a new, locally focused morning program. This is a leadership role for a journalist who wants a daily on air presence and the opportunity to help shape the long term direction of a public media newsroom.
In this position, you’ll bring creative ideas, original reporting, and a strong editorial voice while ensuring all coverage aligns with WLRH’s mission, editorial standards, and strategic priorities. Working in collaboration with station leadership, you’ll set the day to day editorial agenda and deliver journalism that is accurate, fair, community focused, and representative of the diverse audiences we serve across North Alabama.
What You’ll Do
• Lead WLRH’s local news coverage – Direct daily news operations, assign and edit stories, and uphold editorial standards.
• Host and co-produce WLRH’s morning show (5–9 AM) – Deliver local news, interviews, weather, traffic, arts, and human-interest segments.
• Manage newsroom staff – Supervise and mentor reporters, producers, and interns; foster an inclusive and collaborative culture.
• Drive digital innovation – Expand WLRH’s presence across web, social media, and on-demand audio; collaborate on podcasts and multimedia features.
• Engage with the community – Cultivate relationships with local leaders, experts, and partner organizations.
• Support station initiatives – Deliver sponsorship credits, station promotions, and fundraising messages in a warm, conversational style.
Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
• Substantial professional experience in news management, including demonstrated editorial leadership and on‑air hosting or reporting experience.
• Demonstrated experience producing news or spoken-word content across platforms.
• Demonstrated experience launching or hosting a live news/talk program with strong on-air performance and comfort in live environments
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills
• Ability to analyze audience metrics and adapt strategies accordingly
• Excellent communication, time management, and organizational skills
• Proficiency in audio/video editing software (Adobe Audition, Pro Tools, etc.)
• Familiarity with digital publishing tools, CMS platforms, and audience engagement tools (e.g., call‑ins, messaging platforms, social media integration)
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or related software
Preferred Qualifications
• Radio broadcast experience
• Familiarity with North Alabama communities (or willingness to learn)
• Familiarity with public media values, standards, and FCC rules
Benefits
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, and pet insurance
• 401(k) with employer matching
• Thirteen paid holidays
• Paid Annual and Sick Leave
• Paid Parental Leave
Health benefits are available after an introductory period.
Salary Range
$61,063.20 – $102,664.80 (commensurate with experience)
Application Instructions
Applications can be submitted online at https://www.wlrh.org/work-at-wlrh or www.aptv.org/jobs. Open until filled.
This is an APT/WLRH Foundation position. APT/WLRH is an EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
