KWTV Assignment Editor

An Assignment Editor at News 9 helps drive the Ideal Team Player culture.

Job Summary: The Assignment Editor is responsible for managing the day-to-day news coverage for the newsroom, ensuring that stories are assigned to reporters and photographers, and that coverage aligns with the company’s strategic editorial goals. This person serves as the central point of contact for all news-related inquiries and coordinates coverage of breaking news, planned events, and special projects. The Assignment Editor works closely with managers, reporters, producers, and photographers to ensure the accurate and timely delivery of news.

Job Responsibilities:

• Assign news stories to reporters and photographers, balancing the workload based on skills, experience, and coverage needs.
• Monitor and manage multiple news sources, including scanners, social media, wire services, and community contacts, to identify breaking news and important stories.
• Coordinate live coverage of breaking news and special events, ensuring the assignment of appropriate resources.
• Work closely with producers, managers, and reporters to develop story ideas and ensure comprehensive news coverage.
• Maintain communication with field crews, ensuring they are aware of any updates or changes in assignments.
• Collaborate with the digital team to ensure all platforms (broadcast, web, social media) are updated with the latest news.
• Ensure the newsroom adheres to company policies, industry regulations, and journalistic standards.
• Develop and maintain contacts within the community, law enforcement, and other organizations to source information and news leads.
• Coordinate daily news and weather coverage by gathering and providing information, scheduling interviews, assigning stories, and dispatching crews.
• Keep staff and management updated on stories being covered, status of each, and plans for the next day’s coverage.
• Communicate with appropriate personnel regarding Bonded Cellular News Gathering, satellite feeds, helicopter, and live shot locations.
• Answer incoming viewer calls and inquires courteously and initiate appropriate action.
• Monitors KWTV 2-way radio and responds to traffic from the field.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Job Schedule: This is a full-time position primarily working 40 hours per week. You may also be called upon at times to fill in other hours and days of the week to help cover vacations, illnesses, breaking news, severe weather, or special projects/events. This position is not eligible to work remotely.

Essential Qualities:

• Humble: A habit of sharing successes, putting the team first, and working for the good of the team. A “we” not “me” attitude. The ability to give and receive constructive criticism. Observe and employ the Golden Rule.
• Hungry: Exhibit a strong work ethic, drive, and willingness to take initiative.
• Smart (People Smart): The virtue of being interpersonally smart about the interactions and relationships of those you encounter.
• Positive Attitude: Exhibited by focusing on opportunities not problems, see the glass as half-full not half-empty.
• Sense of Urgency: How we react and respond.

Skills and Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, criminal justice/first responder, or broadcast related field preferred. Related experience will be evaluated and may be substituted as years of education.
• Three years of experience as an Assignment Editor in a small to medium market preferred.
• In-depth knowledge of local, state, and national news. Solid background in the history and geography of Oklahoma preferred.
• Knowledge of journalistic standards as they relate to on-air presentation of news.
• Ability to direct and gain the cooperation of others. Excellent communication and leadership abilities.
• Ability to organize and retrieve information and utilize proper news judgment.
• Experience with newsroom computers and software preferred.
• Reacts quickly to information gained from the scanners.
• Adequately keeps abreast of current events.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines and the need for quick decision making.
• Ability to perform other job-related duties as assigned.
• Capable of handling the physical and mental requirements including:
  • ability to verbally communicate in English
  • ability to read computer monitor information (words and data)
  • ability to hear detailed spoken word
  • ability to remain sedentary and to travel to work location
  • ability to perform manual dexterity tasks with hands, fingers
  • ability to analyze data, concentrate, reason, and write
  • ability to perform under emotional stress
  • ability to lift 10 pounds unaided

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.