Assignment Editor

Last.Fm - Philadelphia, PA

Full-time - Entry Level

Philadelphia, PA

About the position

CBS News Philadelphia is seeking a highly effective and efficient Assignment Editor who possesses a proven record of multitasking in a fast-paced news environment. This role is crucial for managing daily newsroom assignments and ensuring that breaking news is covered accurately and promptly. The ideal candidate will have a competitive spirit and a passion for news, with a strong emphasis on integrity and accuracy in reporting. Familiarity with the Philadelphia area is considered a plus, as it will aid in the effective coverage of local events that impact the community. As an Assignment Editor, you will be responsible for monitoring police and fire scanners for breaking news, writing alerts for digital platforms, and coordinating logistics for news crews. You will need to meet tight deadlines in high-stress situations while efficiently dispatching crews to various stories. Your role will also involve generating original stories, developing follow-ups, and maintaining contact lists and story files. Building and maintaining strong relationships with reporters, photographers, and public relations representatives will be essential to your success in this position. The Assignment Editor will also play a key role in tracking stories as they develop and ensuring that all assignments are covered efficiently with the available staff. This position requires excellent organizational skills, the ability to work under pressure, and a commitment to delivering high-quality journalism. The successful candidate will be a bridge of trust between newsroom personnel and those working in the field, ensuring that communication flows smoothly and that stories are covered comprehensively.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily newsroom assignments and monitor phones.
• Coordinate logistics and monitor social media for breaking news.
• Write breaking news alerts for digital platforms.
• Meet deadlines in high-stress breaking news situations while dispatching crews efficiently.
• Dispatch crews to stories and breaking news using appropriate logistical and journalistic judgment.
• Assist in finding stories with an emphasis on key brand points and track stories as they develop.
• Handle time and logistics to ensure coverage is efficient with available staff.
• Generate original stories and develop follow-ups.
• Track social media for news gathering and update information in assignment desk I-news daybook.
• Maintain contact lists and story files, ingest and record feeds as required.
• Develop new contacts with government agencies and public relations representatives.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with reporters and photographers.

Requirements

• At least 2 years of proven television news assignment editor experience is strongly preferred.
• Significant background in print reporting or radio news will be considered.
• Must have newsroom experience.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to multi-task.

Nice-to-haves

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work efficiently with newsroom personnel and the public.
• Broadcast Journalism degree preferred.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) plan
• Life insurance coverage
• Disability benefits
• Tuition assistance program
• Paid time off (PTO)