MANAGING EDITOR - WDBJ

Gray Local Media, Inc; Roanoke (VA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Gray Media’s WDBJ-TV news group seeks a newsroom leader with strong judgment to oversee editorial decisions in a dynamic Roanoke environment. The role requires quick decision-making, effective communication, and the ability to juggle multiple tasks under deadlines.

You will lead planning meetings, generate story ideas, and coordinate coverage across broadcast and digital platforms, collaborating with reporters, producers, and managers to deliver accurate local news.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, or related field.
• Proven newsroom leadership and strong news judgment.
• Experience in coordinating multi-platform news coverage and planning.

Responsibilities

• Lead editorial meetings and participate in planning.
• Generate and pitch story ideas for multi-platform coverage.
• Coordinate news gathering, set up coverage, and manage field crews.
• Monitor social media for content and engage with news makers.
• Collaborate with managers on content strategies and special events.
• Organize press materials and keep the newsroom planning grid updated.
• Write/edit stories for broadcast and digital platforms.

Skills

Editorial leadership

Story ideas

News planning

Social media

Communication

Journalistic judgment

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications/Journalism

Tools

Newsroom software

Job description

About Gray Media:

Today, we are a growing multimedia company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. We are the nation's largest owner of top-rated local television stations and digital assets serving 117 full-power television markets that collectively reach approximately 37% of US television households. The portfolio includes 80 markets with the top-rated television station and 100 markets with the first and/or second highest rated television station in average all-day ratings across 116 of such markets that were measured by Nielsen in 2025. We also own the largest Telemundo Affiliate group, with 47 markets, and Gray Digital Media, a full-service digital agency offering national and local clients digital marketing strategies and the most advanced digital products and services. Our additional media properties include video production companies Raycom Sports, Tupelo Media Group, and PowerNation Studios, and studio production facilities Assembly Atlanta and Third Rail Studios.

About WDBJ:

WDBJ7, WZBJ24, and WDBJ7.com are a Gray-owned dominant CBS-affiliated media powerhouse in beautiful Roanoke, Virginia. Known as \"Your Hometown Station\", WDBJ7 and WZBJ24 serve 26 counties across the Blue Ridge Mountain region and produce more than 55 hours of award-winning local news coverage, more than any of its competitors in the Roanoke/Lynchburg market.

For 70 years, WDBJ7 has been the number one station of choice for viewers from Roanoke to Lynchburg and across the New River Valley.

Job Summary/Description:

WDBJ-TV news group is looking for a newsroom leader with solid news judgment who can juggle multiple tasks and adjust to a constantly changing environment. The ideal candidate can efficiently evaluate resources, make good decisions, and communicate clearly and effectively under a deadline.

Duties/Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Help lead and participate in editorial and planning meetings


• Generate and pitch story ideas


• Create, gather, develop, confirm, and set up news coverage


• Keep track of crews in the field and communicate with them during daily newsgathering and breaking news


• Collaborate with other managers on content gathering and planning, which includes overseeing daily operations and additional coverage for special events, as needed- Monitor multiple social media accounts to gather content and communicate with news makers


• Gather and organize press releases, emails, phone calls, and viewer tips


• Manage logistics for coverage assignments


• Post assignments in the newsroom planning grid, providing specific details and updates for all assignments


• Track and communicate the development of news stories and events


• Work with our broadcast and digital teammates for coordinated coverage, which includes writing/editing stories for both platforms


• Work with reporters and producers on story treatment


• Review reporter scripts as assigned


• Develop and maintain news contacts and sources


• Keep the newsroom contact list updated


• Engage in short and long-term planning and maintain a planning calendar


• Answer telephone calls, emails, and social media messages from the public


• Collaborate with network assignment desks and other affiliates via phone and email


• Upload and share video/sound with field teams, affiliates, sister stations, and/or the networks


• Post breaking and developing news stories on digital platforms


• Be familiar with local newsgathering technology and terminology


• Build and maintain professional working relationships with newsmakers


• Gather information from multiple sources simultaneously and quickly push it out to anchors, reporters, producers, and digital producers


• Be able to remain calm and level-headed during breaking news situations


• Perform other job-related duties as assigned

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree; Communications, Journalism, or related field required


• Valid driver's license with a good driving record


• Excellent communication skills


• Demonstrate solid news judgment


• Strong research skills, including conducting online research using various search engines


• Ability to stay current with national and local news/weather


• Advanced knowledge of social media & digital platforms


• Knowledge of the television market, geography, and issues


• Ability to maintain multiple modes of communication and coordinate multiple issues during breaking news and other stressful situations


• Ability to work independently with little supervision


• Ability to remain positive and foster a positive work environment


• Willing to work flexible hours


• Able to collaborate and work well in a team environment


• Maintain strong journalistic ethics; maintain professional and ethical conduct at the station and in the community


• Strong initiative and attention to detail

Additional Info:

Gray Media provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Gray Media complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment at every location where the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Gray Media expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with Gray's employees ability to perform their job duties may result in discipline, up to and including discharge.

WDBJ-TV/Gray Media is a drug-free company