Assignment Editor - WFTV Orlando

Position Overview

WFTV Channel 9, the leading news station in Central Florida, is seeking a highly motivated, organized and experienced Assignment Editor to join our dynamic news team!

The ideal candidate is someone who can collaborate with newsroom staff and play a critical role in the daily newsgathering process, responsible for identifying, assigning, and coordinating news coverage for all platforms (broadcast, digital, social). This person must have strong editorial judgment, excellent communication skills, strong organizational skills, top-notch logistics coordination and thrive in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment. You must work well under pressure, meet strict deadlines and respond urgently in breaking news. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• See the big picture and understand the significance of editorial content
• Attend daily editorial meetings, documenting and tracking reporter and photographer assignments in iNews and production planning systems
• Responsible for logistics: working directly with reporters, photographers, producers, managers, and the Content Center to determine daily news priorities and assignments
• Dispatch news crews and manage logistics including live gear assignment, parking and access
• Manage and update the newsroom's assignment desk system, ensuring all story information, contacts, and assignments and photog live sheets are accurate and up to date
• Communicate with broadcast and digital producers, field crews, and managers
• Coordinate with Newsone/ABC affiliates, management of CMG share list, Florida partners, and other media organizations across the country, including Cox Radio
• Conduct story research, fact-check information, maintain awareness of ongoing stories and daily identify follow-up opportunities
• Plan and execute weekday, weekend and news special coverage on all platforms

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Creating and publishing content to digital and social media platforms
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with local law enforcement, fire departments, government agencies, and community contacts
• Monitor scanners and social media, wire services, and internal tips to identify breaking news
• Field incoming calls and emails from the public, assessing news value and directing appropriately
• Assign photographers to edit anchor packages, retracks or other shooting duties 
• Routine interruptions and unforeseen assignments are to be expected
• Ensure compliance with journalistic ethics and legal standards
• The schedule may include nights, weekends, holidays, and overnights
• Expected to work under deadline constraints and meet precise deadlines

Minimum Qualifications

• At least 2-years of experience on a newsroom assignment desk or similar newsgathering role, preferably in a top 20 market.
• Exceptional news judgment and ability to quickly assess the importance of events.
• Superior communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to multi-task, strong organizational and communication skills.
• The ideal candidate is someone who can work well with newsroom staff and have technical knowledge of newsgathering resources
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and independently when necessary.
• Strong understanding of AP-style writing
• Strong knowledge of social media platforms
• Physical demands and essential physical abilities include: a combination of physical work (standing, walking, lifting and carrying items such as laptop computers, pulling file drawers)
• Knowledge of the local market is a plus
• BA or equivalent professional experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with iNews or similar newsroom content management systems.
• Familiarity with digital news platforms and social media best practices for news dissemination.