who is a assignment editors

Assignment Editor Job Description [Updated for 2024]

In the fast-paced world of news and media, the role of assignment editors has become more crucial than ever.

As the media landscape evolves, the need for skilled professionals who can effectively manage, delegate, and oversee news stories continues to grow.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s really expected from an assignment editor?

Whether you are:

A job seeker aiming to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
Or simply interested in the behind-the-scenes of newsroom operations,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a versatile assignment editor job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Assignment Editor Duties and Responsibilities

Assignment Editors play a critical role in newsrooms by coordinating the work of reporters and other staff to ensure comprehensive news coverage.

They serve as a link between the news director, reporters, and photographers.

Assignment Editors are primarily responsible for managing the news assignment desk, with daily duties and responsibilities including:

Tracking and following news developments throughout the day
Assigning reporters and photographers to cover specific stories
Coordinating live shots and satellite feeds
Maintaining contact with law enforcement and emergency services agencies to stay abreast of breaking news
Planning coverage for special events and breaking news
Developing a network of contacts and sources to use for obtaining exclusive local news content
Researching and verifying information for news stories
Communicating effectively with newsroom staff to ensure smooth coordination of news coverage
Ensuring news content adheres to journalistic ethics and standards of accuracy

Assignment Editor Job Description Template

We are looking for a diligent Assignment Editor to manage our news coverage effectively.

The Assignment Editor is responsible for assessing tips, developing story ideas, coordinating reporters, and deploying news crews.

Our ideal candidate has a keen eye for compelling stories, is well-organized and capable of multitasking under pressure.

Ultimately, the role of the Assignment Editor is to ensure our news content is timely, relevant, and accurate.

Responsibilities

Monitor news feeds and social media for breaking news and updates
Evaluate news leads and tips to develop story ideas
Assign and dispatch news crews to cover stories
Coordinate with reporters to ensure timely delivery of content
Plan and schedule news coverage, considering staff availability and news urgency
Ensure all content meets company standards for journalistic integrity and production quality
Maintain constant communication with news team during breaking news
Collaborate with news director to determine daily content
Assist in the development of news stories from inception to completion
Participate in editorial meetings and provide input

Qualifications

Proven work experience as an Assignment Editor, Reporter, or similar role in a newsroom
Strong knowledge of news production and journalism standards
Ability to make quick decisions under pressure
Excellent organizational and multitasking skills
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Proficiency in social media and digital tools for news gathering
BA degree in Journalism, Communications, or relevant field
Health insurance
Dental insurance
Retirement plan
Paid time off
Professional development opportunities

Additional Information

Job Title: Assignment Editor
Work Environment: Fast-paced newsroom. May require irregular hours and availability on-call for breaking news.
Reporting Structure: Reports to the News Director or Managing Editor.
Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $85,000 maximum
Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
Employment Type: Full-time
Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

What Does an Assignment Editor Do?

Assignment Editors typically work in newsrooms for television or radio stations, newspapers, and online media outlets.

They play a crucial role in the newsroom, coordinating and planning news coverage by assigning reporters, photographers, and other news team members to cover specific stories.

Their job is to determine which stories are the most newsworthy each day, prioritizing and assigning them accordingly.

They also monitor incoming news feeds, police and fire scanners, and social media for breaking news.

Assignment Editors communicate with the public, fielding tips and complaints, and maintain contacts within the community to help generate story ideas.

They may also arrange interviews for reporters or schedule live broadcasts from the field.

They work closely with the news director, producers, reporters, and other staff to ensure timely and accurate news coverage.

In some cases, they may also be responsible for editing content before it is published or aired.

Assignment Editor Qualifications and Skills

An efficient Assignment Editor should have the skills and qualifications that match your job description, such as:

Strong organizational skills to manage and prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent communication skills to clearly convey assignments to staff members, and to liaise with other departments or outside agencies as necessary.
Ability to use critical thinking and problem-solving skills to determine the newsworthiness of various events or stories and assign them to appropriate reporters.
Interpersonal skills to effectively build relationships with staff, journalists, and other stakeholders.
Keen attention to detail to ensure accuracy in all assignments, schedules, and reports.
Knowledge of news production processes, newsroom operations, and journalism ethics.
Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines, often in high-stress situations.
Knowledge of current events, public affairs, and local geographies to make informed decisions about news assignments.

Assignment Editor Experience Requirements

Assignment Editors typically start with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or a related field.

This educational background provides an essential foundation in newsgathering techniques, ethical guidelines, and storytelling.

Beyond education, gaining practical experience is crucial.

Aspiring Assignment Editors often begin their careers in entry-level roles within newsrooms, such as Production Assistants or Reporters, where they get hands-on experience in the news gathering process.

They may spend 1 to 2 years in these roles, learning the ropes of news production, developing their skills in story ideation, and understanding how to work within the fast-paced, deadline-driven environment of a newsroom.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience are typically ready to move into an Assignment Editor role.

By this point, they have developed their news judgment, coordination skills, and understanding of broadcast operations.

They may have also gained experience in managing news schedules and coordinating staff assignments.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may be ready for senior or supervisory roles within the assignment desk.

They might have demonstrated skills in leadership, strategic planning, and personnel management.

In this capacity, they might oversee a team of Assignment Editors, guide the overall news coverage strategy, and be responsible for making key decisions about resource allocation and story prioritization.

Assignment Editor Education and Training Requirements

Assignment Editors typically hold a bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or a related field.

Their education often emphasizes writing, research, and ethical issues in media.

They should be familiar with journalism principles and have a strong understanding of media law.

Experience or coursework in a newsroom setting is often beneficial.

This can include understanding news production processes, story development, and news writing.

Advanced roles may require a master’s degree in journalism or a related field, particularly for more specialized or senior positions.

Some Assignment Editors may also choose to pursue certification programs, such as those offered by the American Society of News Editors, to enhance their credibility and skill set.

Working knowledge of digital media, social media platforms and proficiency in media editing software are also necessary for this role.

Continual learning and staying updated with the latest trends and developments in the media industry is vital for an Assignment Editor’s role.

Assignment Editor Salary Expectations

An Assignment Editor can expect to earn an average salary of $44,834 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings can fluctuate based on factors such as years of experience, the complexity of assignments, geographical location, and the size of the employing news agency or publication.

Assignment Editor Job Description FAQs

What are the primary responsibilities of an assignment editor.

The primary responsibilities of an Assignment Editor include managing and assigning news coverage, directing field journalists to news events, assessing the newsworthiness of different stories, and collaborating with news directors to plan coverage.

They may also be responsible for monitoring emergency scanners, incoming emails, and social media feeds to keep track of developing news events.

What skills does an Assignment Editor need?

Assignment Editors should have excellent communication skills, both written and oral, to interact with field reporters, producers, and other team members.

They should have strong decision-making skills to determine which stories are the most newsworthy and needs immediate attention.

A good understanding of news writing and journalism principles is also crucial.

Lastly, they should possess good organizational skills and ability to multitask as they often handle multiple stories simultaneously.

Do Assignment Editors need a degree?

Yes, a bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or a related field is usually required for an Assignment Editor role.

Some employers may also look for candidates who have substantial experience in journalism, particularly in news reporting or editing.

What should you look for in an Assignment Editor resume?

An Assignment Editor’s resume should highlight their experience in news editing and reporting.

It should also detail their familiarity with news production processes, ability to work under tight deadlines, and experience with newsroom management systems.

Evidence of strong leadership and communication skills is also important.

What qualities make a good Assignment Editor?

A good Assignment Editor is proactive, organized, and able to make quick decisions under pressure.

They should have excellent news judgment and a keen sense of story development.

It’s also crucial that they maintain strong professional relationships with their team to ensure smooth coordination and communication.

Further, they should be adaptable, able to adjust to fast-paced and changing news environments.

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve given you a behind-the-scenes look at what it truly means to be an assignment editor .

And guess what?

It’s not just about handling assignments.

It’s about orchestrating the flow of news, one assignment at a time.

With our go-to assignment editor job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to pave your path.

But why end your journey here?

Dig deeper with our job description generator . It’s your next step to crafting detailed listings or sharpening your resume to perfection.

Every assignment is part of the bigger story.

Let’s write that story. Together.

How to Become an Assignment Editor (Complete Guide)

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The Editorial Team at InterviewGuy.com is composed of certified interview coaches, seasoned HR professionals, and industry insiders. With decades of collective expertise and access to an unparalleled database of interview questions, we are dedicated to empowering job seekers. Our content meets real-time industry demands, ensuring readers receive timely, accurate, and actionable advice. We value our readers' insights and encourage feedback, corrections, and questions to maintain the highest level of accuracy and relevance.

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Career Spotlight: Assignment Editor

By NBCU Academy

What does an assignment editor do? A longtime assignment manager for NBC4 Washington shares how his team covers breaking news.

At the heart of every newsroom is an assignment desk, where assignment editors figure out what news stories to cover around the clock. They make constant phone calls, listen to police radios and sift through emails to get news tips and background information from officials and the public. They contribute to editorial meetings with reporters, editors and producers. But breaking news can rewrite coverage plans at any point of the day.

Charlie Bragale, an assignment manager who has worked at WRC-TV in Washington since 1988, has seen many changes in technology , but his assignment desk has always been crucial to newsgathering. He calls his assignment editors “off-air reporters,” talking to sources and conveying updates to news crews and production staff.

“I compare the assignment editor to a flight controller. I’m trying to land five 747s, a couple of A380s and a couple 737s in a blinding rainstorm,” Bragale said. “100% of my day is talking on the phone, networking with people, trying to get people to talk to me and check in.”

Bragale talks about the work of an assignment editor in the video above and shares more remarks below.

What are some tips to being a good assignment editor?

Be curious, be a risk taker and instinctively know what you’re doing right. You see something, go chase after it. We don’t run away from bad news or good news — we run towards everything.

Success is collaborating with everybody. We’re just a cog in the wheels of what we do every day. Collaboration is key.

Your workspace is surrounded by walkie-talkies tuned in to a bunch of police and emergency medical scanners. Isn’t it confusing to listen to all that at once?

Don’t be intimidated by this. This is just white noise. Just listen for keywords, the intensity in the voice, the impact of the event.

What are some memorable stories you worked on?

I covered a guy who pulled out an AR-15 and shot up the front of the White House [in October 1994] — that was a [Saturday] afternoon, we were running AFC football.

The phone rings, a guy with a heavy accent says, “Do you speak Portuguese?” And I was like, “Yes, I’m from Brazil.” A Brazilian tourist, videotaping the White House with his family, captured the moment that guy shot at the White House. Back then, we had no cellphones, so I sent a courier to pick him up and look at the video. One of my colleagues ran over, grabbed the video and took it downstairs. They broke into AFC football to show the guy shooting the White House — that’s how important it was.

[On 9/11,] we knew about the planes that struck the World Trade Center. But then I heard a plane hit the Pentagon. I heard that officer, the chill in his voice — we knew it was [a related attack]. We were ready, directing people everywhere, because we knew Washington.

You’ve worked at the same assignment desk for 36 years. What keeps you going?

This is gonna sound mushy, but I grew up here in Washington, two blocks from the TV station. As a child riding my bike through this park, past Channel 4 to the Catholic school on Massachusetts Avenue, I would always tell my brothers, “One day, I’m going to work at that place.” To represent the community and work at this incredible organization, in my job which I love, is an honor.

Gallery: Scenes from Charlie Bragale’s Career

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