Teen hosts come from high schools around Onondaga County. Applications from sophomores and juniors are accepted in the spring for positions beginning in September. Interviews and auditions are held during the summer. Teens working on their GEDs are also eligible to apply.

Each broadcast utilizes the talents of three local high school students who co-host and screen phone calls. The teen host welcomes callers on the air and shares viewpoints and experiences with regard to the callers’ concern. The screener responds off-air to all calls, and obtains/records statistical information and the reason for calling. Teen Talk teens are very involved with the planning and production of the broadcasts.

Teen Talk host and screeners should be able to express ideas clearly and freely. Other important qualities include: diversity, poise, self-assurance, cooperation, responsibility, interest in interpersonal relationships and current issues that relate to today’s teens.

Teen Talk is aired live every Sunday evening form 9 to 10:30 pm on HOT 107.9. The station is located at Bridgewater Place, 500 Plum Street, Franklin Square, Syracuse. Each teen is expected to be available at least twice a month and must provide his/her own transportation to the studio. Teens receive a stipend for each completed show.