Assistant News Director (morning)

Tegna•Indianapolis, IN

About The Position

WTHR-TV, TEGNA’s NBC affiliate in Indianapolis, is seeking a transformational, people-first leader to oversee the morning news daypart across broadcast, streaming and digital platforms. This overnight/early morning leadership position shapes morning news coverage and ensures teams are ready to deliver impactful journalism to Central Indiana audiences. The Assistant News Director directly oversees the morning daypart and leads editorial strategy and execution during overnight and early morning hours. The role partners with anchors, producers, reporters and the story desk to guide coverage, provide trusted weather information and elevate journalism across platforms. The position reports to the News Director.

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 directly.
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 and the responsibility to hold the powerful accountable.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications or a related field.
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.
Make editorial decisions 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.
Uphold WTHR’s commitment to earning trust in its journalism.
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 multiple 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 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 that reflects 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

Medical plan options for full- and part-time employees.
Dental and eye care coverage.
Fertility, surrogacy and adoption assistance.
Disability and life insurance.
401(k) plan with company matching contributions up to the first 4% of pay; contributions are 100% vested from day one.
Nine free virtual doctor appointments annually for employees and eligible family members through Teladoc.
Twelve free annual therapy sessions with a licensed clinician through Spring Health for employees and eligible family members.
Paid time off.
Nine paid holidays per year.

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