News Director: Lead Multi-Platform Local News & Impact

TEGNA, Inc.; Illinois; On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plans

Dental & Vision care

Fertility & family benefits

401(k) with employer match

Teladoc & mental health support

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Job summary

TEGNA Inc. is seeking a News Director for WMAZ in Central Georgia to oversee 24/7 streaming and broadcast operations, drive editorial priorities, and guide coverage across platforms.

The leader will coach producers and reporters, recruit top talent and collaborate with content leaders to ensure engaging, high-impact journalism. The role requires 7+ years in newsroom leadership, strong editorial judgment, and a data-informed approach to shaping editorial strategy, with a focus on breaking news,

Qualifications

• 7+ years of newsroom leadership experience, including experience as a News Director or senior newsroom leader.
• Proven success leading multi-platform news operations with breaking news, severe weather coverage, enterprise reporting and major community events.
• Strong editorial judgment and the ability to set daily coverage priorities under pressure.
• Demonstrated ability to lead change, coach and develop producers, reporters and on-air talent.
• Experience recruiting, building and retaining high-performing newsroom teams reflective of the communities served.
• Data-informed approach using research, audience analytics and performance metrics to guide editorial strategy.
• Deep commitment to accuracy, fairness, transparency, and professional journalism standards.
• Excellent organizational, leadership and communication skills; able to manage complexity in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with Central Georgia, or willingness to relocate there, is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead all daypart teams in a 24/7 streaming-first operation.
• Coach producers to execute multi-platform programming with strong storytelling and new segments.
• Coach on-air reporters for broadcast, digital and social platforms.
• Lead recruitment for newsroom positions and build a newsroom with top talent.
• Be a key voice in the editorial process, guiding coverage focus and priorities.
• Use research and analytics to guide decisions and measure performance.
• Collaborate with content leaders to align linear, streaming and digital platforms.
• Oversee planning and coverage of events and community initiatives.
• Direct major breaking news coverage promptly and effectively.
• Perform other tasks as required by the VP of Content for the region.

Skills

Newsroom leadership

Editorial judgment

Multiplatform leadership

Data-informed journalism

Recruiting & coaching

Organizational skills

Communication under pressure

Relocation willingness

Job description

TEGNA Inc. is seeking a News Director for WMAZ in Central Georgia to oversee 24/7 streaming and broadcast operations, drive editorial priorities, and guide coverage across platforms.

The leader will coach producers and reporters, recruit top talent and collaborate with content leaders to ensure engaging, high-impact journalism. The role requires 7+ years in newsroom leadership, strong editorial judgment, and a data-informed approach to shaping editorial strategy, with a focus on breaking news,