Morning Host, Wqxr

WQXR is seeking a Weekday Morning Host to deliver compelling, mission-aligned classical music programming across our live broadcast and digital platforms. This key public radio role focuses on expanding our listenership, elevating a diverse range of artistic voices, and building deep relationships with our audience.

Reporting to the Program Director

• Host the live WQXR morning broadcast 5 days a week.
• Maintain a warm, relaxed, engaging vibe and conversational, welcoming delivery.
• Voice recurring station promos, underwriting credits, and other imaging spots.
• Conceptualize, collaborate on, and host specialty on-air classical features and shows.
• Use playout, production, and automation systems following station and FCC rules.
• Host or co-host live broadcasts and station events
• Provide occasional live or voice-tracked backup hosting for alternate shifts

• Conduct interviews with classical artists for radio and digital rollout.
• Write compelling short-form website articles, digital features, and introductory copy for listener newsletters.
• Cultivate direct listener relationships through online engagement via email, social platforms, and the station website.
• Highlight local classical concerts, community events, and cultural happenings that meet station guidelines.

• On-Air Campaigns:
  Pitch live during pledge drives, help draft fundraising scripts, and pre-record one-hour specialty pledge shows.
• Represent WQXR at high-profile donor events and other station events

• Talent Development:
  Assist with training for incoming announcers and guest as needed
• Team Operations:
  Participate in routine staff meetings, company All Staffs, and 1:1s with supervisor

• Academic Background:
  Bachelor’s degree in music, broadcasting, the humanities, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience).
• Radio
  
  Experience:
  
  Minimum of 5 years of professional live, on-air radio experience, including announcing classical music and writing on-air copy.

• Classical Music:
  Strong interest in classical music and knowledge of classical music history, including specific periods, composers, major works, and past and active performers.
• Familiarity with NYC-area classical music scene a plus
• Language Proficiency:
  Accurate pronunciation and strong working knowledge of foreign languages integrated into classical music programming, particularly French, German and Italian.
• Core Literacy:
  Excellent verbal clarity, written grammar, spelling, and copyediting skills.
• Studio Tools:
  Experience with audio editing suites and radio playout and automation systems (Zetta preferred).
• Experience with music scheduling software a plus
• Background in generating multimedia digital content and cross-platform campaigns a plus

• Ability to fulfill project directives independently without direct supervision by accurately executing written and verbal instructions.
• Proven capacity to maintain positive, collaborative partnerships with team members, station stakeholders, listeners, and donors.
• A genuine passion for music, non-profit community engagement, and advancing the station’s cultural goals.

This is a full-time role. The salary range is: $ - $ based on a 35-hour workweek, with benefits. New York Public Radio also offers excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance, vacation, personal, and sick time, as well as inclusive family leave. This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement between New York Public Radio and SAG-AFTRA.

This role is based in New York City (or the immediate…