Managing Editor

WCBD TV is an NBC Affiliate Station owned by Nexstar Media Inc. We are located in the beautiful Lowcountry area of Charleston, SC. Charleston is known for its warm weather, friendly people, charming downtown, outstanding food, beautiful beaches, and so much history.
Apply online at: https://nexstar.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/nexstar
The Managing Editor is the newsroom’s operational and editorial quarterback—translating strategy into daily execution while elevating story quality and managing real-time coverage.
Core Responsibilities
Lead Daily Editorial Direction
Help set the editorial agenda for the day
Participate in (or run) editorial meetings alongside the News Director/EPs
Decide which stories get covered, prioritized, and developed
Ensure coverage aligns with:
Station brand
community relevance
ratings / digital strategy
👉 Think: “What are we covering and why it matters today?”
Oversee Assignment Desk & Content Flow
Directly supervise or closely coordinate with the assignment desk
Manage:
crews and reporter deployment
breaking news response
logistics (live shots, feeds, resources)
Ensure efficient use of newsroom resources
👉 This is often the operational “air traffic controller” role.
Drive Story Quality & Execution
Work with reporters and producers to:
sharpen story angles
elevate storytelling (exclusivity, enterprise)
enforce accuracy and journalistic standards
Review scripts, rundowns, and coverage plans when needed
👉 Focus is not just filling shows—but making stories stronger.
Breaking News Leadership
Take charge during major breaking news
Make fast decisions on:
coverage scale
live coverage vs. packaged
team deployment and priorities
Coordinate across platforms (TV, web, social)
👉 In many newsrooms, the Managing Editor is the point person in chaos.
Cross-Platform Content Strategy
Ensure alignment between:
broadcast
digital
social platforms
Push for:
real-time updates
web-first publishing when needed
consistent messaging across platforms
👉 This role increasingly bridges TV digital integration.
Supervise and Develop Staff
Coach reporters, MMJs, producers, and assignment editors
Provide feedback on:
writing
storytelling
news judgment
Help identify growth opportunities and training needs
👉 In many shops, this is a key leadership development role under the News Director.
Maintain Editorial Standards & Ethics
Enforce:
accuracy
fairness
legal guidelines
Review sensitive or high-risk content before airing/publishing
Ensure compliance with company policies
Long-Term & Enterprise Planning
Look beyond the daily cycle to:
plan sweeps coverage
identify investigative or enterprise opportunities
coordinate special projects
How It Typically Fits in a Local Newsroom
Reports to:
News Director
Works closely with:
Executive Producers
Digital team
Assignment Desk Manager
Reporters/MMJs
Often supervises:
Assignment desk
sometimes reporters
In Practical Terms (Day-to-Day)
A Managing Editor’s day often looks like:
Morning editorial call → refine coverage plan
Midday check-ins → adjust for breaking news
Afternoon/evening → oversee execution & troubleshoot
Constant communication with desk, producers, reporters