KWTV Assignment Editor

Griffin Media•Oklahoma City, OK

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Assignment Editor at News 9 manages day-to-day news coverage and ensures stories are assigned to reporters and photographers in alignment with the company’s strategic editorial goals. Serving as the central point of contact for news-related inquiries, this role coordinates coverage of breaking news, planned events, and special projects, and works with managers, reporters, producers, and photographers to deliver news accurately and promptly. This is a full-time position primarily working 40 hours per week. The employee may be called upon to work other hours and days to cover vacations, illnesses, breaking news, severe weather, or special projects and events. The position is not eligible for remote work. Duties and responsibilities may change, and other job-related duties may be assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, criminal justice/first responder, or a broadcast-related field preferred; related experience may be evaluated and substituted for years of education.
In-depth knowledge of local, state, and national news.
Knowledge of journalistic standards as they relate to on-air news presentation.
Ability to direct others and gain their cooperation.
Excellent communication and leadership abilities.
Ability to organize and retrieve information and apply proper news judgment.
React quickly to information from scanners and stay abreast of current events.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines and make quick decisions.
Ability to verbally communicate in English, read computer monitor information, hear detailed spoken word, remain sedentary and travel to the work location, perform manual dexterity tasks with hands and fingers, analyze data, concentrate, reason and write, perform under emotional stress, and lift 10 pounds unaided.

Nice To Haves

Three years of experience as an Assignment Editor in a small to medium market.
Solid background in the history and geography of Oklahoma.
Experience with newsroom computers and software.

Responsibilities

Assign news stories to reporters and photographers, balancing workloads based on skills, experience, and coverage needs.
Monitor scanners, social media, wire services, and community contacts to identify breaking news and important stories.
Coordinate live coverage of breaking news and special events and assign appropriate resources.
Work with producers, managers, and reporters to develop story ideas and ensure comprehensive coverage.
Maintain communication with field crews about updates or changes to assignments.
Collaborate with the digital team to update broadcast, web, and social media platforms with the latest news.
Ensure newsroom adherence 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 informed about stories being covered, their status, 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 viewer calls and inquiries courteously and initiate appropriate action.
Monitor the KWTV two-way radio and respond to traffic from the field.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.