Story Desk Editor

TEGNA, Inc.; Indianapolis (IN); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical plan options

401(k) program with company match

Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)

Job summary

A leading media company in Indianapolis is seeking a Story Desk Editor to drive editorial execution and produce impactful stories. This hybrid role requires 1-3 years of journalism experience, excellent writing skills, and the ability to manage newsroom logistics under pressure. Candidates will lead coverage during breaking news and curate content across all platforms while upholding journalistic standards.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of journalism experience in a local newsroom or digital production.
• Ability to make fast editorial decisions under pressure.
• Experience in managing competing priorities in a deadline-driven environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead newsroom coverage during breaking news ensuring accuracy and urgency.
• Plan stories that resonate with the community using editorial judgment.
• Create engaging content for digital platforms including websites and apps.

Skills

Strong news judgment

Excellent writing skills

Organizational skills

Collaborative mindset

Ability to produce content quickly

Education

Bachelor’s degree in journalism or communications

Tools

Newsroom systems and CMS tools

Job description

TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA) helps people thrive in their local communities by providing the trusted local news and services that matter most. With 64 television stations in 51 U.S. markets, TEGNA reaches more than 100 million people monthly across the web, mobile apps, streaming, and linear television. Together, we are building a sustainable future for local news.

WTHR, the TEGNA‑owned NBC affiliate in Indianapolis, is transforming the way we gather and present news, and we’re looking for a Story Desk Editor to embrace our transition to the newsroom of the future.

Role Summary

This hybrid role combines the skills of an assignment editor and a digital content producer to serve as the hub of the newsroom. The Story Desk Editor drives daily editorial execution, curates and produces impactful stories, and ensures our content connects authentically with audiences across streaming, digital, social and broadcast platforms. You will lead coverage during breaking news, shape daily story planning, and curate content across platforms in a single, streamlined workflow.

Responsibilities

• Lead and communicate newsroom coverage during breaking news, ensuring accuracy, urgency, and balance.
• Identify and plan stories that matter most to the community using editorial judgment and social listening.
• Create and edit engaging content for digital platforms: website, mobile app, and streaming.
• Guide newsroom logistics and provide editorial support for MSJs, producers, and photojournalists.
• Edit reporter content for accuracy, grammar, AP style, digital best practices, fairness and ethical considerations.
• Enhance storytelling with creative elements (graphics, video, audience‑submitted content, etc.).
• Use available metrics to inform coverage and improve audience reach.
• Support newsroom operations and coverage planning as needed.
• Uphold TEGNA’s journalistic standards and values across all platforms.

Requirements

• 1–3 years of journalism experience in a local newsroom, digital production, or related role.
• Strong news judgment and the ability to make fast, sound editorial decisions under pressure.
• Excellent writing skills, with the ability to produce accurate and compelling content quickly.
• Experience with newsroom systems and CMS tools.
• Organizational skills to manage competing priorities in a deadline‑driven environment.
• A collaborative, solutions‑focused mindset that thrives in a team environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or equivalent experience.

Why TEGNA

TEGNA is reimagining local journalism for the newsroom of the future. With 64 stations across 51 markets, we deliver trusted, fact‑based news that informs, engages, and empowers communities. Our values—Demand the Truth, Work Smarter, Debate Fearlessly, Listen Carefully, and Zero‑Base Every Process—guide everything we do. By joining WTHR, you will be part of a company that demands the truth, works smarter, and tells impactful stories that serve our communities every day.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical plan options for full and part‑time employees through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, plus dental and eye care coverage.
• Fertility, surrogacy, and adoption assistance.
• Disability and life insurance.
• 401(k) program with up to 80% employee contribution and 100% company match on the first 4% of pay, fully vested from day one.
• Nine free virtual doctor’s appointments and twelve free annual therapy sessions with licensed clinicians.
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) benefit and nine paid holidays per year.
• Benefits may vary under collective bargaining agreements for certain newsroom roles.

EEO Statement

TEGNA Inc. is a proud equal opportunity employer. We are proud to hire and develop individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences to add to our collaborative culture. We value and consider applications from all qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, disability, medical condition, enrollment in college or vocational school, political affiliation, military or veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law. TEGNA will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law. If you require an accommodation to submit your application, please email [e-mail].

Recruiting Fraud Alert

To all candidates: your personal information and online safety are important to us. Only TEGNA recruiters or hiring managers will reach out to you regarding consideration of your application or background. Communications with TEGNA employees will either come from a TEGNA email address with a domain of tegna.com or one of our affiliate station domains. Recruiters or hiring managers will never request payments, ask for financial account information, or sensitive information such as social security numbers.