Practical training for the job only public media hosts understand
Coming October 2026
Dates not yet confirmed. Join the wait list for early access when registration opens.
Show hosting in public media asks a lot of you. You're expected to write well, think fast, and interview anyone — then hold it together when things go sideways on live radio, before you've even finished prepping your rundown. It's a specific skill set, and one that gets sharper with practice and good coaching.
PMJA's Host Training Workshop is a full-day, hands-on session built for public media hosts at every level. Whether you're new to the chair or looking to level up, you'll leave with practical tools you can use the next time you sit down at the mic.
What we cover
Daily show prep. Building a prep routine that keeps you present and ready to pivot. We'll cover rundowns, early NPR reads, and why giving yourself more time before the mic matters more than you think.
Newscasts. What separates a forgettable newscast from one that flows. Best practices for stacking, story selection, and transitions.
Writing for radio. How to simplify copy without losing the story. How to write forward, not just report back.
Two-ways. Reporter and newsmaker conversations done well. How to start if you've never done one, and how to improve if you do them every day.
Advocating for your show. Your program is the showcase of your newsroom's work. We'll give you tools to make your voice heard and your show's needs understood.
