What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assignment Editor position at WCVB Channel 5?
Job Description
WCVB-TV, the market-leading ABC affiliate in Boston is looking for a sharp, fast-moving Assignment Editor who can help win the day across all platforms – everywhere people turn for the information they need.
This role demands someone with strong news judgment, relentless curiosity, and a calm command of breaking news. Top candidates must be able to identify what matters most in our community, verify information quickly, coordinate coverage in the field, and make sure our newsroom is delivering useful, distinctive journalism to our multi-faceted audience.
Understanding that an assignment desk is more than scanners and press releases is critical in this position. The desk is the newsroom’s nerve center where listening, verifying, communicating, planning ahead, and finding stories that move beyond the obvious are all vital to creating winning content. This position reports to the Managing Editor.
Responsibilities
The estimated base salary range for this role is between $85,000 and $100,000. The actual base pay offered is dependent upon many factors, such as transferable skills, work experience, business needs, market demands and conditions, including geographic location where the work will be performed, and other factors permitted by law. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future.
Values in Action
At Hearst Television we tell stories every day. Stories about people of all backgrounds, perspectives, and identities. That’s why, behind the scenes, we believe in being an organization that fosters collaboration and open communication, ensuring that the content we create is authentic, accurate, and connected to the communities we serve.
Benefits
Hearst's benefit programs are modern, flexible and designed to focus on you. As a Hearst employee, you and your spouse or partner or dependents would have access to the following benefits.
WCVB-TV, the market-leading ABC affiliate in Boston is looking for a sharp, fast-moving Assignment Editor who can help win the day across all platforms – everywhere people turn for the information they need.
This role demands someone with strong news judgment, relentless curiosity, and a calm command of breaking news. Top candidates must be able to identify what matters most in our community, verify information quickly, coordinate coverage in the field, and make sure our newsroom is delivering useful, distinctive journalism to our multi-faceted audience.
Understanding that an assignment desk is more than scanners and press releases is critical in this position. The desk is the newsroom’s nerve center where listening, verifying, communicating, planning ahead, and finding stories that move beyond the obvious are all vital to creating winning content. This position reports to the Managing Editor.
Responsibilities
- Coordinate daily coverage, working with multiple field and digital crews, newscast producers, and news management.
- Lead the newsroom’s morning editorial meeting.
- Make quick, sound editorial decisions about which stories should be pursued for broadcast and digital platforms.
- Track crews in the field, communicate changing details and logistical needs, and help ensure reporters and photographers are positioned for the strongest coverage.
- Build and maintain relationships with first responders, public officials, community leaders, and other newsmakers.
- Share verified updates quickly and clearly with anchors, reporters, producers, digital editors, and newsroom leadership.
- Publish breaking-news content across station platforms, including website updates and mobile push alerts.
- Monitor social platforms for credible news tips, eyewitness content, and public response.
- Professional, respectful communication skills
- Strong news judgment and ability to prioritize multiple stories in a fast-moving environment
- Experience with digital publishing, mobile alerts, social media and audience engagement
- A commitment to accuracy and responsible use of content, especially during breaking news
- Knowledge of local newsgathering technology, newsroom terminology, and field logistics and comfort learning new tools and workflows, including the use of AI
- Ability to communicate concise, accurate information to multiple teams simultaneously
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, even under deadline pressure
- Willingness to work a variety of shifts, including early mornings, nights, weekends, and holidays
The estimated base salary range for this role is between $85,000 and $100,000. The actual base pay offered is dependent upon many factors, such as transferable skills, work experience, business needs, market demands and conditions, including geographic location where the work will be performed, and other factors permitted by law. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future.
Values in Action
At Hearst Television we tell stories every day. Stories about people of all backgrounds, perspectives, and identities. That’s why, behind the scenes, we believe in being an organization that fosters collaboration and open communication, ensuring that the content we create is authentic, accurate, and connected to the communities we serve.
Benefits
Hearst's benefit programs are modern, flexible and designed to focus on you. As a Hearst employee, you and your spouse or partner or dependents would have access to the following benefits.
- Medical | Dental | Vision
- 401(k) matching
- Emotional Wellness Support
- Paid Time Off
- Paid Parental Leave
- LGBTQ Health Services
- Additional benefits to meet your and your family's needs
Salary : $85,000 - $100,000