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Sports Talk Radio Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Previous experience as a radio board operator, preferably at a sports talk radio station/network. * Must have experience with digital operating systems (Wide Orbit, Media Touch, Audio Vault, Enco or ...

Previous experience as a radio board operator, preferably at a sports talk radio station/network. * Must have experience with digital operating systems (Wide Orbit, Media Touch, Audio Vault, Enco or ...

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Sports Talk Radio information

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$46.5K

$107.1K

$172K

How much do sports talk radio jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for sports talk radio in the United States is $107,148.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,000.00 and $131,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a sports talk radio?

A Sports Talk Radio job involves discussing and analyzing sports-related topics on live broadcasts, podcasts, or radio shows. Hosts provide commentary, interview athletes and experts, and engage with callers or listeners. The role requires strong communication skills, sports knowledge, and the ability to entertain and inform an audience. Many positions also involve show preparation, research, and collaboration with producers.

What does a typical workday look like for someone in sports talk radio?

A typical day in Sports Talk Radio often starts well before going on air, with research and preparation of show topics, gathering sports news, and coordinating with producers or co-hosts. During live broadcasts, you'll discuss recent games, interview guests, take listener calls, and provide commentary, often reacting in real-time to breaking news. Off-air, you may record promotional material, update social media, or edit segments for podcasts. Team collaboration is vital, as you'll frequently work with engineers, producers, and other on-air talent to deliver a seamless and engaging show. The role is fast-paced and requires adaptability, especially during major sports events or unexpected developments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in sports talk radio, and why are they important?

To thrive in Sports Talk Radio, you'll need strong communication skills, deep sports knowledge, and the ability to research and discuss current sports topics, often supported by a degree in journalism, communications, or a related field. Familiarity with audio editing software, broadcasting equipment, and digital platforms is commonly required. Creativity, quick thinking, and the ability to engage listeners with personality and professionalism are standout soft skills. These competencies are essential to creating compelling content, managing live broadcasts, and building a loyal audience in a dynamic media environment.

More about Sports Talk Radio jobs

What cities are hiring for Sports Talk Radio jobs?

Cities with the most Sports Talk Radio job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Sports Talk Radio jobs?

The most popular types of Sports Talk Radio jobs are:

What states have the most Sports Talk Radio jobs?

States with the most job openings for Sports Talk Radio jobs include:

Infographic showing various Sports Talk Radio job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,148 per year, or $51.5 per hour.

Sports Talk Host

Chicago, IL • On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Company Overview
Cumulus Media is an audio-first media company delivering premium content to a quarter billion people every month - wherever and whenever they want it. Cumulus Media engages listeners with high-quality local programming through 384 owned-and-operated radio stations across 84 markets; delivers nationally-syndicated sports, news, talk, and entertainment programming from iconic brands including the NFL, the NCAA, the Masters, US Soccer, AP News, and the Academy of Country Music Awards, across more than 7,800 affiliated stations through Westwood One, a leading national audio network; and inspires listeners through the Cumulus Podcast Network, an established and influential platform for original podcasts that are smart, entertaining, and thought-provoking. Cumulus Media provides advertisers with personal connections, local impact and national reach through broadcast and on-demand digital, mobile, social, and voice-activated platforms, as well as integrated digital marketing services, powerful influencers, full-service audio solutions, industry-leading research and insights, and live event experiences. For more information visit www.cumulusmedia.com.
Position Overview
Cumulus Media | Westwood One has an immediate opening for a Sports Radio Talk Show Host. In this role, you'll be responsible for hosting shows that generate ratings through entertaining, informative, interesting, compelling, topical, personable, likeable, and interactive content. The ideal candidate must have a deep understanding of how to go beyond the latest sports news, headlines, and events to craft an entertaining and unique product - working closely with your Producer to plan and produce a quality show through creative ideas, segments, and production elements; getting into and out of current sports events, teasing/telling stories, providing opinion, and insights while actively interacting with listeners in real-time. An unparalleled worth ethic, drive, and passion for Sports/Sports Talk goes a long way to being successful in this role.
Candidates will preferably have and - if hired - will continue to maintain a dedicated social media audience that they can engage both on and off the air, as well as during major sporting events. This is a remote based position.
Key Responsibilities & Qualifications
Key Responsibilities:
  • Produce a compelling radio show by using creativity, imagination and exercise of independent professional judgment in writing, producing, interviewing, taping or broadcasting on-air content - intelligent and self-confident; yet likeable, reasonable, and capable of understanding various viewpoints
  • Capable of vivid storytelling - execute compelling teases that keep the audience hooked
  • Deliver fact-based opinions in a confident manner with a willingness and capability to professionally support those opinions
  • Ability to interview newsmakers with sharp, short, open-ended questions that provoke fascinating answers
  • Successfully manage callers and guests keeping the show moving while directing the organic interactivity that surfaces through phone calls, social media, text messaging, and chat
  • Be a great orator, but also a terrific listener - understands how to talk WITH the audience, not AT the audience
  • Intelligent and self-confident yet likeable, reasonable and capable of understanding various viewpoints
  • Read live commercial copy on air
  • Handle emergency/breaking sports news/news or weather live, as needed
  • Willing to work with and respect other hosts
  • Team player - open to heavy collaboration with Producers and Executive Director

Qualifications:
  • 1-3 years of on-air experience
  • Knowledge of current sports headlines, stories, leagues, teams, owners, players, fan bases
  • Must have experience with on-air automation systems, Adobe Audition and basic computer software programs
  • Network radio and OpX on-air automation system experience preferred
  • Must have suitable Wi-Fi connection and speed as announcer will be producing shows from home on provided company equipment
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office suite and social networking
  • Strong knowledge of all FCC rules and regulations
  • Socially informed and perceptive; up-to-date and in tune daily with national trends and/or specialized knowledge of topics/events related to on-air discussions
  • Demonstrated upbeat personality, informative, entertaining and engaging on the air; able to relate to audience
  • Pleasant, charismatic and well-controlled voice; excellent pronunciation
  • Excellent verbal and written communication and editing skills; proficient in grammar; ability to make others feel comfortable on air
  • Demonstrated creativity and imagination
  • Collaborative - work well in a team environment
  • Audio demo of monologues, storytelling, on-air interviews, commentary, live commercial reads, etc. must be added to online profile/application

Pay Range
USD $65,000.00 - USD $75,000.00 /Yr.
What We Offer
  • Competitive Pay
  • Focused, responsible and collaborative work environment with the ability to ask, "what if" and try innovative solutions
  • Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance coverage
  • 401K with company match
  • Paid Vacation, Sick & Holiday time off
  • Parental leave time off benefits, life insurance, disability insurance, wellness, and an employee referral bonus program

For immediate consideration, please visit: https://jobs.cumulusmedia.com/careers
For more information about Cumulus Media, visit our website at: https://www.cumulusmedia.com/
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