Assignment Editor Job Description Sample

The NFL Media Group is currently seeking a full-time Assignment Editor with news desk experience, ability to multitask, work well under short deadlines and a teamwork oriented attitude. The Assignment Editor at NFL Network is a key member of NFL Media's 24/7 news desk supporting NFL Network and NFL.COM. This position provides editorial and logistical support to field reporters and ENG crews as assigned by the assignment managers.

Essential Functions:

• Coordinate coverage and gather news of all things football for the NFL Network's daily information shows such as Up to the Minute, NFL Total Access and Good Morning Football, along with GameDay shows on Sunday.

• Provide editorial assistance in reporting and crafting stories.

• Work closely with show producers and field producers as a liaison to ensure production plans are communicated clearly.

• Assign daily responsibilities to Desk Assistants.

• Work with technical operations staff daily to communicate live shot requests and feeds.

• Remain actively involved in newsgathering - requires working closely with reporters including suggesting soundbites, video and storylines.

• Maintain an in-depth understanding of NFL games, NFL news, the NFL Draft, NFL Scouting Combine and other leaguewide events.

• Book ENG crews, sat trucks, logistics in field as assigned by desk managers.

• Work directly with digital media colleagues in the newsroom to ensure the proper information is communicated for digital platforms.

Other Key Attributes / Characteristics:

• Extensive knowledge of the NFL and its clubs is required along with a deep understanding of the game and working knowledge of the college football.

2NEWS is looking for an assignment editor to join our growing staff. They'll be responsible for dispatching reporters and other personnel to cover stories.

This person will communicate the editorial and operational needs of the assignment desk to those personnel. They'll be responsible for conveying stories to our digital staff. The assignment editor sets up stories and quickly confirms breaking news.

They'll establish a system to develop contacts throughout the community, including making daily beat calls. They'll work closely with our sister stations to maximize our resources. The candidate will understand the need to be able to work flexible hours including early mornings, evenings, weekends and holidays.

This person will work closely with news managers to improve workflow. They'll be highly organized as they'll help plan major events for coverage.

SKILLS:

Ability to multi-task, understand police and fire codes and knowledge of Ohio road streets and major event locations. Must be able to direct co-workers, multiple crews and changing assignments.

Position also requires the ability to handle a high level of stress during breaking news situations. Must have a fundamental knowledge of digital reporting and news gathering techniques.

EXPERIENCE:

Previous television assignment desk experience preferred. We will also consider candidates with a digital background.

KMBC 9 News is looking for an Assignment Editor to join ourteam and help lead our daily newsgathering effort. Ideal candidate will be aself-motivated and highly-organized person with strong leadership skills and managerial abilities.

Job Responsibilities:

• Monitoring radio scanners and social mediaaccounts for breaking news

• Coordinating, dispatching, tracking, andmaintaining communication with reporters and photographers in the field

• Maintaining court files, future event planning,and daily newsgathering information

• Gather and disseminate information on stories

• Develop sources and generate story ideas

• Receive and investigate news tips

• Demonstrate sense of urgency with breaking news

• Take an active role in next day and long-termplanning

Experience Requirements:

• Experience as an Assignment Editor or similarposition on a local TV newsroom

• Familiar with local newsgathering technology andterminology

Qualifications Requirements:

• Strong people and phone skills as well as theability to work in a team atmosphere

• Must be highly organized

• Have the ability to work multiple projectssimultaneously

• Must be able to foster and maintain professionalworking relationships with newsmakers and sources

• Have the ability to gather information frommultiple sources simultaneously and quickly push it out to anchors, reporters,producers and digital editors

• Must have a sense of urgency and be able tothrive in a high pressure breaking news and weather environment

• Be able to remain calm and level-headed duringbreaking news situations

• Must have excellent communication skills

• Willing to work a variety of shifts includingweekends and nights

Education:

• College degree in Broadcast Journalism, orrelated field

• Military training and experience will beconsidered

Overview

Responsibilities

Duties and Responsibilities:

Superior written and oral communication skills Responsible for listening to scanners

Responsible for coordinating multiple field crews

Answers phones and email to determine what makes a great story

Coordinates live shots and content sharing with affiliates, CNN, FOX, and other partners

Posts stories to station website and social media sites.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's Degree in journalism or communications background

Preferred 2 years experience in a top 50 market newsroom Knowledge of the San Diego area a plus

Job Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

Extensive knowledge of editorial standards, ethics, and media law

Must have superior organizational skills

Must be able to work under pressure

Must be able to make decisions and take a leadership role

Must have excellent phone skills, be able to take information from a viewer and determine if there is a story

Must have basic writing skills and be able to communicate written and verbally

Must be able to apply the FOX 5 Filter to any and all stories

Must be able to maintain a professional demeanor when dealing with people at the station and away from the station

Must be able to represent the station in the community and at station events

Must have a passion for news.

Company InfoTribune Media Company (NYSE: TRCO) is home to a diverse portfolio of television and digital properties driven by quality news, entertainment, and sports programming.

Tribune Media is comprised of Tribune Broadcasting's 42 owned or operated local television stations reaching more than 50 million households, national entertainment network WGN America, whose reach is approaching 80 million households, Tribune Studios, and a variety of digital applications and websites commanding 60 million monthly unique visitors online. Tribune Media also includes Chicago's WGN-AM and the national multicast networks Antenna TV and THIS TV. Additionally, the Company owns and manages a significant number of real estate properties across the U.S. and holds a variety of investments, including a 31% equity interest in TV Food Network and a 32% equity interest in CareerBuilder. For more information please visit http://www.tribunemedia.com.

Overview

KIAH, a Tribune Broadcasting station, has an opening for an Assignment Editor to work in our Houston location.

The Assignment Editor will work with everyone in the News department to assign and cover news of the day.

Responsibilities

• Monitor scanners and field assignment desk phone calls

• Receive and investigate news tips; Gather and prepare story items for the newscast

• Assist and sometimes create the digital reporting on respective web pages and social media accounts

• Support newscast Producers

• Manage logistics and assign field crews to cover stories

• Demonstrate sense of urgency with breaking news

• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred; equivalent experience required

• 2+ years previous assignment desk experience

• Strong organizational skills

• Ability to work in a rapid, fast-paced environment

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including early mornings, nights, weekends and holidays

KIAH is an equal opportunity employer.

Company InfoTribune Media Company (NYSE: TRCO) is home to a diverse portfolio of television and digital properties driven by quality news, entertainment, and sports programming. Tribune Media is comprised of Tribune Broadcasting's 42 owned or operated local television stations reaching more than 50 million households, national entertainment network WGN America, whose reach is approaching 80 million households, Tribune Studios, and a variety of digital applications and websites commanding 60 million monthly unique visitors online. Tribune Media also includes Chicago's WGN-AM and the national multicast networks Antenna TV and THIS TV. Additionally, the Company owns and manages a significant number of real estate properties across the U.S. and holds a variety of investments, including a 31% equity interest in TV Food Network and a 32% equity interest in CareerBuilder. For more information please visit http://www.tribunemedia.com.

Job Title

Assignment Editor

Job Description

The Assignment Editor coordinates the news gathering efforts of News Reports and Photographers. Enterprise and identify, select and develop viable story ideas by researching reporter leads, newspapers, monitoring emergency scanners, magazines, websites and other potential news sources. Responds to all incoming calls from the public, viewers, and from reporter/photographers in the field. Maintain daily contact with police and fire agencies. Write digital versions of breaking new stories for web and social media. Must be able to assess the importance of current events, react quickly to breaking news, and communicate effectively with staff members. Maintain logistical arrangements for news stories including assignment of crews, cars, gear, and ENG trucks. Tune in live shots as necessary. Conduct interviews in-house, via phone, via SKYPE (and other technologies) for inclusion in news stories. Operation teleprompter as needed.

Essential Job Functions:

• 55% - Identify, select and develop viable story ideas by researching reporter leads, newspapers, monitoring emergency scanners, magazines, websites, and other potential news sources. Write digital versions of breaking news stories for web and social media. Maintain files for court dates, press conferences and other pre-planned news events.
• 20% - Effectively communicate story ideas during news meetings, and via phone and e-mail with in-house staff and field news crews and MMJs, for proper coordination of news gathering efforts. Arranges and schedules interviews for news crews by calling sources and following up until interviews are finalized.
• 15% - Responds to all incoming calls from the public, viewers, and from reporter/photographers in the field. Maintains daily contact with police and fire agencies.
• 5% - Coordinates reports from affiliate stations and local stringer reports. Reviews and files all newsroom incoming mail and faxes. Maintains news files.
• 5% - Writes story summary to include follow-up ideas and suggestions for the staff.

Job Requirements:

Education – College degree preferred in Communications, Broadcasting or Journalism.

Experience – Preferred one-year experience in radio or television or previous internship(s).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of all news gathering equipment and sources

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Ability to work cooperatively with diverse groups of individuals.

• Ability to handle multiple tasks and work under pressure of tight deadlines and last-minute changes.

• Ability to be inquisitive and self-directed while gathering news in a fast-paced and competitive environment.

• Must be able to assess the importance of current events, react quickly to breaking news and communicate effectively with staff members.

Travel Required: Less than 5%

#LMG#

Spectrum Networks is looking for passionate, talented and driven individuals with an eagerness to join the best and most dedicated in gathering, producing and delivering stories that make a difference within a 24-hour breaking news environment. Our commitment is to engage viewers with relevant and timely news that is important to the local communities we serve.

What is Spectrum Networks: Spectrum Networks is a growing organization, home of 27 Local News Channels nationwide and 9 Local/Regional Sports Channels, inclusive of 3 Los Angeles based Sports Networks. Spectrum Networks is the news and sports division of Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: CHTR), the leading broadband communications company and the second-largest cable operator in the United States.

The Spectrum News Environment: Spectrum News is a 24-hour breaking news network that requires employees be flexible and available to work various shifts throughout the day, including early mornings, late evenings, weekends and holidays. The network is currently focused on the morning news, which means your day will start in the middle of the night, but it also means your workday will end around noon (most days).

Spectrum Networks employees are passionate and driven, and can thrive in a competitive, fast-paced and fiercely accurate 24-hour breaking news environment. They are creative and/or highly technical with a desire to leverage their knowledge, skills and abilities to share news stories that enhance daily living within our local communities. They are nimble and learn quickly, enabling themselves to pivot when new information is acquired within an ever-changing newsroom. They are team players with positive attitudes and strong interpersonal skills. They have the ability to multi-task, meet tight deadlines and remain calm under pressure.

What we're looking for an Assignment Editor to coordinate news crews, resources and logistics, ensuring that top stories are covered across assigned shift. Determine priorities and assign coverage to news units. Collaborate on story ideas and coordinate assignments of the news gathering staff. Major responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Respond quickly and efficiently to breaking news; coordinate multiple live field crews

• Set up news stories by planning daily and long term coverage

• Monitor websites, social media sources and post content to news website

• Monitor police and fire scanners for breaking news and developing stories

• Collaborate with editors to determine which news events should be covered and which correspondent should cover each event

• Communicate the coverage needs of the assignment desk to crews and dispatch and coordinate photographers and field crews

• Develop sources within the community, including government agencies and public relations representatives

• Make beat calls to sources and other agencies

• Gather accurate information from the public and public agencies

• Maintain current and future files for news stories

• Contribute to story ideas and advance developing stories; participate in directing coverage plans under deadline pressure

• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Ability to read, write, speak and understand English

• Solid news judgment and passion for news

• Ability to develop sources

• Ability to organize and manage multiple priorities and work under time pressure deadline

• Must be able and willing to work different shifts and be flexible with schedule changes

• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills; ability to clearly communicate solutions; ability to relate well with diverse populations

• Ability to interface with internal company personnel

• Requires adaptability, enthusiasm, initiative and a positive approach to problem solving

• Must be able to work under time pressure deadlines, work different or extended shifts and flexible with schedule changes. Willing and able to work weekends and holidays

Education & Experience:

High School diploma required; Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism or related field or comparable television work experience preferred; 4+ years assignment desk experience in Television newsroom.

Spectrum Networks believes every employee is an influencer and culture keeper. We expect respectful communication, openness to feedback, an eagerness to learn and grow, and an overall positive attitude. Roles may require the following:

• Sitting and/or standing for extended periods of time

• Overtime may be required to meet deadlines

• Varying schedule as a result of changing production, breaking news and/or daily news coverage requirements

• Dexterity of hands, fingers to operate computer keyboard, mouse, and to handle other compute components

• Provide 24x7, 365 days per year, on-call support. May entail phone or physical presence at the facility for equipment failure or other disasters. This includes, but is not limited to equipment and power failures, loss of contracted services, storms or severe weather, and loss of staff members

• Participate in an established on-call rotation

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds at varying distances

• Local travel up to X% in company car and may require additional trips

The Spectrum brand is powered and innovated by Charter Communications. Charter Communications reaffirms its commitment to providing equal opportunities for employment and advancement to qualified employees and applicants. Individuals will be considered for positions for which they meet the minimum qualifications and are able to perform without regard to race, color, gender, age, religion, disability, national origin, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, current unemployment status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws.

Charter Communications is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Minority/Female/Veteran/Disability

Charter Communications will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable laws, including local ordinances.

FCC Unit: 13558 - So Cal South Business Unit: Spectrum Networks

Overview

WXIN/WTTV, a Tribune Broadcasting station, has an opening for an Assignment Editor to work in our Indianapolis location.

The Assignment Editor will work with everyone in the News department to assign and cover news of the day.

Responsibilities

• Monitor scanners and field assignment desk phone calls

• Receive and investigate news tips; Gather and prepare story items for the newscast

• Assist and sometimes create the digital reporting on respective web pages and social media accounts

• Support newscast Producers

• Manage logistics and assign field crews to cover stories

• Demonstrate sense of urgency with breaking news

• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred; equivalent experience required

• 2+ years previous assignment desk experience

• Strong organizational skills

• Ability to work in a rapid, fast-paced environment

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends and holidays

WXIN/WTTV is an equal opportunity employer.

Company InfoTribune Media Company (NYSE: TRCO) is home to a diverse portfolio of television and digital properties driven by quality news, entertainment, and sports programming. Tribune Media is comprised of Tribune Broadcasting's 42 owned or operated local television stations reaching more than 50 million households, national entertainment network WGN America, whose reach is approaching 80 million households, Tribune Studios, and a variety of digital applications and websites commanding 60 million monthly unique visitors online. Tribune Media also includes Chicago's WGN-AM and the national multicast networks Antenna TV and THIS TV. Additionally, the Company owns and manages a significant number of real estate properties across the U.S. and holds a variety of investments, including a 31% equity interest in TV Food Network and a 32% equity interest in CareerBuilder. For more information please visit http://www.tribunemedia.com.

OVERVIEW OF THE COMPANY

Fox TV Stations

FOX Television Stations is one of the nation's largest owned-and-operated network broadcast groups, comprising 28 stations in 17 markets and covering over 37% of U.S. television homes. This includes seven duopolies in the top 10 markets: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, San Francisco, Washington, D.C. and Houston; as well as duopolies in Minneapolis, Phoenix, Orlando and Charlotte.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Must be aggressive and thorough in responding to breaking news. Research and select news stories through multiple sources including, news wires, websites, social media, newspapers, scanners and email.

Responsible for daily communication with police and government officials and agencies. Must develop reliable sources to help in obtaining and confirming information for newscasts. Secure and organize elements for newscasts such as electronic audio and video files, photos and documents.

Must have broad working knowledge of online databases as well as broad working knowledge of court and police procedures. Write and publish stories for station website. Must consistently publish to social media channels.

Coordinate, dispatch and communicate with crews to planned and breaking news events. Work closely with reporters, producers and managers to develop stories and story ideas. Answer viewer calls and emails and speak with community contacts. Perform other duties as assigned.

Bachelor's degree required with emphasis in Communication and/or Journalism. 7-8 years in a medium to major market experience required. Must possess strong phone skills and etiquette.

Must have strong knowledge of legal and ethical parameters for mass media. Ability to work under tight deadlines. Strong working knowledge of the technical aspects of television news production required, including digital and web-based newsgathering tools.

Must be able to use newsroom computer systems, including editing and graphics programs. Strong communication skills are a must. Must complete required administrative tasks in a timely and accurate manner.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable law.