Chief Local News Director — Multi-Platform Leader

TEGNA Inc.; Macon (GA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Dental & Vision coverage

401(k) with match

Teladoc virtual care

Spring Health therapy

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Job summary

TEGNA Inc. is seeking a News Director for WMAZ-TV in Macon, GA, to lead a 24/7 streaming-first operation. You will oversee daypart teams, drive editorial priorities, and deliver enterprise reporting across broadcast, streaming, and digital platforms.

The role requires strong leadership, editorial judgment, and a data-informed approach to guide coverage and performance, with a focus on breaking news, severe weather and major community events in Central Georgia.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7+ years of newsroom leadership experience, including experience as a News Director or other senior newsroom leader.
• Proven success leading multi-platform news operations with deep experience in breaking news, severe weather coverage, enterprise reporting and major community events.
• Strong editorial judgment and storytelling instincts with the ability to set daily coverage priorities and guide high-stakes decision-making under pressure.
• Demonstrated ability to lead change, coach and develop producers, reporters and on-air talent to deliver compelling, engaging content across broadcast, digital, streaming and social platforms.
• Experience recruiting, building and retaining high-performing newsroom teams that reflect the communities served.
• Data-informed approach to journalism with experience using research, audience analytics and performance metrics to guide editorial strategy and measure impact.
• Deep understanding of professional journalism standards, ethics and accountability with a commitment to accuracy, fairness and transparency.
• Exceptional organizational, leadership and communication skills with the ability to manage complexity, align teams and remain calm in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Familiarity with Central Georgia, or a reason to relocate here, a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead all daypart teams in this 24/7, streaming-first operation that showcases WMAZ’s high-quality content.
• Coach a talented team of producers to execute multi-platform programming in an exciting, captivating and authentic manner, including showcasing storytelling, presentation and developing new segments.
• Coach on-air reporters to perform in an engaging manner across broadcast, digital and social platforms.
• Lead recruitment efforts for all newsroom positions with emphasis on building a newsroom filled with A+ talent.
• Be a key voice in the WMAZ editorial process, guiding coverage focus and newsroom priorities.
• Use research and analytics to guide editorial decisions and measure performance.
• Collaborate with content leaders to ensure alignment of linear, streaming and digital platforms.
• Oversee planning and coverage of special events and key community initiatives.
• Direct major breaking news coverage promptly and effectively.
• Perform other tasks as required by the Vice President of Content for the region.

Skills

Newsroom leadership

Editorial judgment

Analytics-driven

Team coaching

Talent recruitment

Communication skills

Job description

TEGNA Inc. is seeking a News Director for WMAZ-TV in Macon, GA, to lead a 24/7 streaming-first operation. You will oversee daypart teams, drive editorial priorities, and deliver enterprise reporting across broadcast, streaming, and digital platforms.

The role requires strong leadership, editorial judgment, and a data-informed approach to guide coverage and performance, with a focus on breaking news, severe weather and major community events in Central Georgia.