Assignment Editor

The Assignment Editor coordinates the news gathering efforts of News Reporters and Photographers. Enterprise and identify, select and develop viable story ideas by researching reporter leads, newspapers, monitoring emergency scanners, magazines, websites and other potential news sources. Responds to all incoming calls from the public, viewers, and from reporter/photographers in the field. Maintain daily contact with police and fire agencies. Write digital versions of breaking news stories for web and social media. Must be able to assess the importance of current events, react quickly to breaking news, and communicate effectively with staff members. Maintain logistical arrangements for news stories including assignment of crews, cars, gear and ENG trucks. Tune in live shots as necessary. Conduct interviews in-house, via phone, via SKYPE (and other technologies) for inclusion in news stories. Operate teleprompter as needed.

Essential Job Functions

55% - Identify, select and develop viable story ideas by researching reporter leads, newspapers, monitoring emergency scanners, magazines, websites, and other potential news sources. Write digital versions of breaking news stories for web and social media.  Maintain files for court dates, press conferences and other pre-planned news events.

20% - Effectively communicate story ideas during news meetings, and via phone and e-mail with in-house staff and field news crews, and MMJs, for proper coordination of news gathering efforts. Arranges and schedules interviews for news crews by calling sources and following up until interviews are finalized.

15% - Responds to all incoming calls from the public, viewers, and from reporter/photographers in the field.  Maintains daily contact with police and fire agencies.

5% - Coordinates reports from affiliate stations and local stringer reports. Reviews and files all newsroom incoming mail and faxes. Maintains news files.

5%- Writes story summary to include follow-up ideas and suggestions for the staff

Minimum Qualifications:
All must be met to be considered.

Education:

College degree preferred in communications, broadcasting or journalism.

Experience:

Preferred one year experience in radio or television or previous internship(s).

Specific Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of all news gathering equipment and sources.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Ability to work cooperatively with diverse groups of individuals. 

Ability to handle multiple tasks and work under pressure of tight deadlines and last-minute changes. 

Ability to be inquisitive and self-directed while gathering news in a fast-paced and competitive environment. 

Must be able to assess the importance of current events, react quickly to breaking news and communicate effectively with staff members