KWTV Assignment Editor

Griffin Media•Oklahoma City, OK

20d•Onsite

About The Position

The Assignment Editor manages day-to-day news coverage for the newsroom, assigning stories to reporters and photographers and ensuring coverage aligns with the company’s strategic editorial goals. This position serves as the central point of contact for news-related inquiries and coordinates coverage of breaking news, planned events, and special projects. The Assignment Editor works with managers, reporters, producers, and photographers to support accurate and timely news delivery. This is a full-time, primarily onsite position based at the OKC Griffin Media Center in Oklahoma City, working primarily 40 hours per week. The employee may be asked to cover other hours and days to help with vacations, illnesses, breaking news, severe weather, or special projects and events. Remote work is not available.

Requirements

Three years of experience as an Assignment Editor in a small- to medium-sized market preferred.
In-depth knowledge of local, state, and national news.
Knowledge of journalistic standards related 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 exercise sound news judgment.
Ability to react quickly to information obtained 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, and hear detailed spoken words.
Ability to remain sedentary, travel to the work location, perform manual dexterity tasks, analyze data, concentrate, reason, write, and perform under emotional stress.
Ability to lift 10 pounds unaided.
Essential qualities include humility and a team-first attitude; willingness to give and receive constructive criticism; a strong work ethic, drive, and initiative; interpersonal awareness; a positive attitude; and a sense of urgency.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, criminal justice/first responder, or a broadcast-related field preferred; related experience may be evaluated as a substitute for years of education.
Three years of experience as an Assignment Editor in a small- to medium-sized 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 according to 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, assigning appropriate resources.
Work with producers, managers, and reporters to develop story ideas and ensure comprehensive coverage.
Communicate 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 in 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 following day’s coverage.
Communicate with appropriate personnel regarding Bonded Cellular News Gathering, satellite feeds, helicopters, and live-shot locations.
Answer viewer calls and inquiries courteously and initiate appropriate action.
Monitor the KWTV two-way radio and respond to field traffic.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.