Assistant News Director

TEGNA • New Orleans, LA

13d

About The Position

WWL-TV, the TEGNA-owned CBS affiliate in New Orleans, is searching for a transformational and people-first leader to guide our morning daypart across broadcast, streaming and digital platforms. This is a rare opportunity to help shape the future of a legacy newsroom in one of America's most dynamic, culturally rich and news-heavy cities. This leader will uphold TEGNA's values in every decision: demand the truth, work smarter, do the right thing and win. These values guide how we serve our audiences, support our teams and deliver essential journalism every day. The Assistant News Director plays a central role in our newsroom transformation, driving content strategy from sunrise through midday and ensuring WWL leads the market with context, urgency and impactful journalism. You will partner closely with anchors, producers, reporters and the story desk (digital team and assignment desk combined) to own the big story, deliver the most trusted weather information and elevate our coverage on every screen. This role demands a coach who can grow talent, push innovation and inspire a newsroom committed to serving Southeast Louisiana with journalism that matters. This position reports to the News Director.

Requirements

• 5+ years of news management experience with proven success leading a high-performing team
• Strong track record in morning television or real-time content environments
• Deep understanding of streaming, mobile platforms and multi-platform storytelling
• Strong editorial judgment, communication skills and ability to lead tough conversations
• Proven experience growing audience share across platforms
• Expertise in producing compelling, content-driven newscasts
• Ability to stay calm and decisive during breaking news and live coverage
• Understanding of the tenets of professional journalism and the responsibility to hold the powerful accountable
• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications or related field preferred
• Familiarity with New Orleans or a strong interest in serving this community

Responsibilities

• Own editorial decision-making for the morning daypart on all platforms
• Ensure content is competitive, urgent and rooted in context, accountability and solutions
• Shape daily story development with producers, reporters and digital journalists
• Lead breaking news coverage and special events with speed and clarity
• Champion WWL's commitment to earning trust in every story we tell
• Develop and execute a multi-platform content plan that reflects TEGNA's transformation strategy
• Prioritize vertical video, content for OTT/CTV audiences and storytelling built for mobile-first users
• Optimize workflows for 24/7 content delivery across multiple platforms
• Drive experimentation with new formats, interactive experiences and innovative presentation
• Use analytics, research and audience behavior insights to guide editorial choices
• Execute SEO, push alerts, newsletters and social strategies that strengthen reach and loyalty
• Ensure content serves the unique needs of the New Orleans community and surrounding parishes
• Coach, mentor and elevate producers, reporters, editors and digital journalists
• Deliver consistent feedback and build a culture rooted in curiosity, collaboration and accountability
• Support recruitment and development of high-potential talent
• Model leadership that reflects WWL's values, TEGNA's values and the expectations of a modern multi-platform newsroom
• Collaborate with the News Director on long-term editorial, workflow and staffing strategy
• Implement new tools, technology and partnerships that make the newsroom more efficient

Benefits

• TEGNA offers comprehensive benefits designed to safeguard the physical, mental and financial health of our employees and their families.
• TEGNA offers two medical plan options for full and part-time employees through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, as well as access to dental and eye care coverage; fertility, surrogacy and adoption assistance; disability and life insurance.
• Our 401(k) program offers full, part-time and temporary employees the opportunity to contribute 1% - 80% of their pay on a pre-tax basis to TEGNA's 401(k). Contributions made up to the first 4% of pay are eligible for a 100% match from the company and are 100% vested from day one.
• Regardless of participation in TEGNA medical plans, ALL employees and their eligible family members receive nine free virtual doctor's appointments with a physician through Teladoc, and 12 free annual therapy sessions with a licensed clinician through Spring Health.
• TEGNA offers a generous Paid Time Off (PTO) benefit as well as nine paid holidays per year.
• Some jobs are covered by a collective bargaining agreement and thus some or all of the benefits described herein may not apply. For example, some newsroom bargaining unit employees receive health and retirement benefits under plans administered by the union.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees