Senior Host (LA Times Studios)

The Senior Host serves as a leading editorial voice and on-camera authority across flagship programming and major news coverage. This role operates at the intersection of journalism, production, and audience strategy, shaping not only how stories are presented but how programming evolves across platforms.

In partnership with the Director of Programming and newsroom leadership, the Senior Host exercises independent editorial judgment and creative leadership to drive format innovation, strengthen audience engagement, and uphold the journalistic standards. This role plays a key part in translating high-impact journalism into premium digital video experiences while influencing show direction, tone, and long-term content strategy.

Beyond on-camera delivery, the Senior Host contributes to programming vision, mentors emerging talent, and represents as a trusted public-facing ambassador across live broadcasts, digital platforms, and industry engagements.

Responsibilities:

• Serve as the primary on-camera host for flagship programming, special coverage, and high-impact news events.
• Lead live and breaking news coverage with strong editorial judgment, clarity, and composure.
• Provide informed analysis and context to elevate reporting beyond headline delivery.
• Influence editorial direction, framing, and narrative structure in collaboration with newsroom and programming leadership.
• Contribute to long-term programming strategy, identifying opportunities to evolve format, tone, and audience engagement models.
• Play a leadership role in developing new show concepts, recurring segments, and multiplatform storytelling initiatives.
• Drive content initiatives from concept through execution in partnership with producers and executives.
• Help shape visual storytelling, pacing, and presentation style to ensure high production value and audience retention.
• Evaluate performance insights and audience metrics to refine content strategy and format evolution.
• Conduct high-level interviews with reporters, experts, public officials, and newsmakers.
• Develop thoughtful interview frameworks that deepen reporting and drive meaningful audience engagement.
• Independently write and refine scripts, analysis segments, and narrative transitions aligned with editorial standards.
• Maintain a consistent tone and voice that reinforces LA Times brand credibility and journalistic integrity.
• Partner closely with newsroom editors, executive producers, directors, and digital teams to execute cohesive multiplatform programming.
• Provide mentorship and performance guidance to junior hosts, correspondents, and contributors.
• Elevate on-air standards by modeling professionalism, preparation, and editorial rigor.
• Contribute to workflow improvements and production efficiencies within studio operations.
• Represent as a trusted and authoritative public-facing figure at events, panels, and media appearances.
• Extend programming reach through live streams, audience Q&As, and strategic social engagement.
• Support promotional initiatives and brand partnerships while maintaining clear editorial boundaries.
• Maintain a professional public presence aligned with company values and journalistic ethics.
• Stay ahead of evolving media trends, audience behaviors, and emerging storytelling formats.
• Leverage new technologies and AI tools to enhance research, preparation, and production workflows.
• Contribute to special editorial initiatives, election coverage, investigative programming, and enterprise storytelling.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job requirements:

• 5-8+ years of professional on-camera experience as a host, anchor, correspondent, or multimedia journalist in a broadcast, streaming, or digital-first newsroom environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading live or breaking news coverage, including the ability to think critically and respond in real time.
• Strong editorial judgment with a deep understanding of journalistic ethics, media law basics, and newsroom standards.
• Proven ability to analyze and contextualize complex stories, delivering clarity, authority, and audience relevance.
• Advanced interviewing skills, including experience conducting high-level interviews with public officials, experts, and newsmakers.
• Experience contributing to or leading show development, format evolution, or content strategy discussions.
• Strong scriptwriting and editorial collaboration skills, with the ability to independently develop segments aligned with brand voice and editorial priorities.
• Demonstrated experience working cross-functionally with producers, editors, graphics teams, and newsroom leadership in a fast-paced environment.
• Comfort and proficiency in multiplatform content delivery (live broadcast, digital video, streaming, podcast, and social media).
• Strong understanding of audience engagement strategies and digital performance metrics (e.g., retention, watch time, social engagement).
• Working knowledge of production workflows, teleprompter use, IFB systems, live studio environments, and remote broadcast setups.
• Familiarity with digital publishing systems (CMS) and industry-standard production tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Cloud).
• Professional presence suitable for representing the organization at public events, industry panels, and media appearances.
• Flexibility to work nontraditional hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, based on breaking news needs.
• Experience mentoring junior on-air talent or contributing to talent development initiatives.
• Demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and the ability to receive and incorporate feedback in a dynamic newsroom setting.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, Media Studies, or related field (or equivalent professional experience).
• Experience in a major market newsroom or nationally recognized media organization.
• Experience hosting election coverage, investigative programming, or enterprise journalism.
• Established social media presence that aligns with professional brand standards.