Assistant News Director (morning)

TEGNA Inc. • Indianapolis, IN

3d

About The Position

WTHR-TV, a TEGNA-owned NBC affiliate in Indianapolis, is hiring a transformational, people-first leader to oversee its morning daypart across broadcast, streaming and digital platforms. This overnight and early morning leadership role shapes coverage and supports teams in delivering impactful journalism to Central Indiana. The Assistant News Director reports to the News Director and partners with anchors, producers, reporters and the story desk, which combines the digital team and assignment desk, to lead editorial strategy and execution across platforms. The role calls for a coach who can develop talent, encourage innovation and foster a newsroom committed to serving Indianapolis and Central Indiana. The leader is expected to uphold TEGNA’s values: demand the truth, work smarter, do the right thing and win.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of news management experience, with proven success leading a high-performing team.
• A strong track record in morning television or real-time content environments.
• Ability and willingness to work an overnight/early morning schedule to oversee the morning daypart.
• Deep understanding of streaming, mobile platforms and multi-platform storytelling.
• Strong editorial judgment and communication skills, including the ability to lead tough conversations.
• Proven experience growing audience share across platforms.
• Expertise in producing compelling, content-driven newscasts.
• Ability to remain calm and decisive during breaking news and live coverage.
• Understanding of professional journalism principles and the responsibility to hold the powerful accountable.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications or a related field preferred.
• Familiarity with Indianapolis and Central Indiana, or a strong interest in serving the community.

Responsibilities

• Directly oversee the station’s morning daypart, providing hands-on editorial leadership during overnight and early morning hours.
• Own editorial decision-making for the morning daypart across all platforms.
• Ensure content is competitive, urgent and grounded 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 WTHR’s commitment to earning trust in every story.
• Develop and execute a multi-platform content plan aligned with TEGNA’s transformation strategy.
• Prioritize vertical video, OTT/CTV content and mobile-first storytelling.
• Optimize workflows for 24/7 content delivery across platforms.
• Experiment with new formats, interactive experiences and innovative presentation.
• Use analytics, research and audience behavior insights to guide editorial choices.
• Execute SEO, push-alert, newsletter and social strategies to strengthen reach and loyalty.
• Ensure content serves the needs of Indianapolis and communities across Central Indiana.
• Coach, mentor and develop producers, reporters, editors and digital journalists.
• Provide consistent feedback and build a culture of curiosity, collaboration and accountability.
• Support recruitment and development of high-potential talent.
• Model leadership reflecting WTHR’s and 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 tools, technology and partnerships to improve newsroom efficiency.

Benefits

• Two medical plan options for full- and part-time employees through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas.
• Dental and eye care coverage.
• Fertility, surrogacy and adoption assistance.
• Disability and life insurance.
• 401(k) with company matching: contributions up to the first 4% of pay are eligible for a 100% match, vested from day one.
• Nine free virtual physician appointments per year for employees and eligible family members, regardless of participation in TEGNA medical plans.
• Twelve free annual therapy sessions with a licensed clinician for employees and eligible family members.
• Paid Time Off (PTO).
• Nine paid holidays per year.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed