Assignment Editor - WFTV Orlando

Cox Media Group; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

WFTV Orlando, part of Cox Media Group, is seeking an Assignment Editor to lead daily news coverage across broadcast, digital and social platforms. The role requires strong editorial judgment, logistics coordination, and the ability to work under pressure to meet tight deadlines.

The ideal candidate will coordinate with reporters, photographers, and managers, manage the assignment desk, and ensure timely, accurate coverage across all channels in a fast-paced newsroom environment.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years on a newsroom assignment desk or similar role.
• Strong editorial judgment and ability to assess news value quickly.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, AP-style writing.
• Ability to multi-task and coordinate with reporters, producers and editors.
• Experience with newsroom software like iNews and planning systems.

Responsibilities

• Identify, assign and coordinate news coverage across platforms.
• Attend editorial meetings and track assignments in iNews and planning systems.
• Dispatch news crews and manage live gear, logistics and access.
• Maintain the assignment desk with accurate story info and contacts.
• Coordinate with affiliates and partners; monitor breaking news and tips.
• Plan weekday, weekend and special coverage across broadcast and digital.

Skills

News judgment

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Team collaboration

Ability to work under pressure

AP-style writing

Education

BA or equivalent experience

Tools

iNews

Newsroom systems

Job description

Job Title: 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.

About Cox Media Group
CMG Media Corporation (d/b/a Cox Media Group) is an industry-leading media company with unparalleled brands, award-winning content, and exceptional team members. CMG provides valuable local and national journalism and entertainment content to the people and communities it serves. The company's businesses encompass 14 high-quality, market-leading television brands in 9 markets; 45 top-performing radio stations delivering multiple genres of content in 9 markets; and numerous streaming and digital platforms. CMG's TV portfolio includes multiple primary affiliates of ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, Telemundo and MyNetworkTV, as well as several valuable news and independent stations. For more information about CMG, visit www.coxmediagroup.com

CMG is a special place. Here, we rely on our winning mindset and deep expertise to find creative solutions, think differently, and work together to positively impact the people and communities we serve. It's where we connect and inspire diverse audiences every day and everywhere with our unmatched content, products, services and people.

At CMG, we take pride in our collaborative and open environment, where everyone feels valued, seen and heard. Our shared commitment to living our company's core Values – Teamwork, Integrity, Quality and Fiscal Responsibility - propels us every day, in everything we do. We encourage you to explore #LifeAtCMG, where you can bring your best, authentic self to work, think boldly and make a difference.

If you are currently a CMG employee, please log into THRIVE to access our internal career center.

CMG is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.