assignment desk meaning

What Does an Assignment Editor Do?

Learn About the Salary, Required Skills, & More

The Balance / Ellen Lindner

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• Assignment Editor Duties & Responsibilities

Assignment Editor Salary

• Education, Training, & Certification
• Assignment Editor Skills & Competencies

Job Outlook

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An assignment editor works at the assignment desk, which is the nerve center of any newsroom. This is where newsroom staff members monitor multiple sources for breaking news, including police and fire scanners. When possible news arises, the assignment editor works with reporters, photographers, producers, and other staff members to assign and develop story ideas.

Small companies sometimes have one assignment editor who is responsible for organizing the assignment desk to operate around the clock. In larger newsrooms, there may be a team of assignment editors that take turns staffing the desk.

Assignment Editor Duties & Responsibilities

The job generally requires the ability to perform the following duties:

• Monitor multiple sources for possible news stories
• Develop and propose a daily news coverage plan
• Lead newsroom staff meetings to review possible stories and assignments
• Help choose which journalists, photographers, and other staff members are assigned to cover stories
• Stay on top of all stories to ensure they're developing as planned and determine which ones are not coming together
• Be the main point of communication between reporters, production teams, and executive staff on developing stories

It's up to the assignment editor to assign people to investigate and report on news stories. The assignment editor's day is sometimes spent shifting people and equipment around so that as many stories get covered as possible, with an eye out on how to handle breaking news coverage at any moment.

When working in television, an assignment editor may also work with the tv producer to decide which crews will take live trucks or a helicopter to broadcast live during a newscast. Also, a TV news anchor who is reviewing scripts just before airtime will often turn to the assignment editor to confirm facts.

An assignment editor's salary can vary depending on location, experience, and employer. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics offers salary data for the broader editor category, but it doesn't offer separate data on the assignment editor subcategory:

• Median Annual Salary: $59,480 
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $114,460 
• Bottom 10% Annual Salary: $30,830  

Education, Training, & Certification

Most assignment editors have the same types of degrees as other editors and journalists in a newsroom.

• Education: Most employers prefer candidates that have at least a bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, or English. 
• Experience: This is often key to getting this type of job, because experience is key to building a list of contacts and learning how to operate smoothly. Employers usually prefer candidates with a background in the type of media in which they specialize, whether it's television, digital, or print news.
• Training: Most training happens on the job. Aspiring assignment editors may want to find an internship position at a newsroom assignment desk.

Assignment Editor Skills & Competencies

To be successful in this role, you’ll generally need the following skills and qualities: 

• Editorial judgment: Assignment editors need to be able to quickly decide whether a story is newsworthy. And although they aren't usually writing the stories themselves, they need to know all of the components of a good news story to guide reporters on coverage.
• Interpersonal skills: Successful assignment editors form relationships with many contacts that can help bring a story together. For example, someone in this role at a local TV news station may have all the county sheriffs' home telephone numbers on speed-dial and be on a first-name basis with the current and previous mayors.
• Organizational skills: An assignment editor must be able to organize the logistics and track the details of several stories at a time and keep everything on schedule.
• Communication skills: An assignment editor must skillfully communicate with all of the staff involved in making news stories come together, including reporters, photographers, production teams, and executive staff.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment in this field will grow 6 percent through 2026, which is slightly slower than the overall employment growth of 7 percent for all occupations in the country. The BLS it doesn't offer separate data on the assignment editor subcategory.

Most of this job is done in an office working under several tight deadlines at once. Those who thrive on pressure and get an adrenaline rush when something unexpected happens may be best suited for this occupation.

An assignment editor usually arrives in the newsroom earlier than the other managers to get a handle on what's happening that day to brief the newsroom. Most assignment editors work full time, and many work long hours, which include evenings and weekends.

People who are interested in becoming assignment editors may also consider other careers with these median salaries: 

• Writers and authors: $61,820
• Reporters, correspondents, and broadcast news analysts: $40,910
• Desktop publishers: $42,350

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , 2017

How to Get the Job

Build a Contact List

Making a list of contacts is the best place to start for a budding assignment editor. That involves making personal connections with people so that you can turn to them when you need information.

Join a Professional Association

The American Media Institute offers  a list of professional associations you can join. Which one you choose may depend on your specialty or medium (websites or television, for instance). This will help you build your contact list and stay up to date on the latest tools and techniques in the industry.

Search job sites that specialize in media careers, such as MediaBistro and iHire Broadcasting .

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Survive Your Job In Television News

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Tag: assignment desk

“yes, that’s your assignment. now do it and like it “ assignment editors: behind the gruffness..

Take a moment and think about the most colorful characters in the newsroom.  For me there are two groups, photographers and assignment editors.  We’ve decoded some photographer behaviors in “You exist to hold my tripod.”  Bottom line, photojournalists are incredible information gatherers and because they see the facts in a visual way, they make TV news what it is today.

The hardest job inside newsrooms, that all of us love to take for granted is assignment editor.  The people who do it are the “whipping posts” for managing editors, assistant news directors, producers and reporters.  Photographers usually get their assignments this way and love to grumble as well.  Yet, as I look back on my career, I see that the strength of an assignment desk makes or breaks a newsroom.  It truly is the tie that binds.

So why are assignment editors so, well, intimidating (or even irritating)?  Being everyone’s whipping post is one start.  They also tend to really have a grasp on the market and the stations strengths and weaknesses.  Heck, when you think about it, that’s their primary job.  Yet assignment editors are often not really given a voice in crucial decisions.  They actually understand drive times to various places.  They understand that the PIO in city A really hates the station UNLESS you call and say XYZ.  And they also understand that live truck 13 really does suck!  In many cases they try and warn us know it all producer and manager types.  They try and give reporters gentle nudges on how to handle a particularly ornery mayor.  Do we listen?  If the answer is no, then we have a very irritable assignment editor on our hands.  Chances are you are going to be yelled at, have papers thrown around the newsroom and hear curse words in interesting sequences you never would have thought possible!  Think about it.  If you were told to make the ship run smoothly, then saw the iceberg, warned and begged everyone to listen, then watched the boat slam into the iceberg, you would be a tad pissy as well.

A few secrets about assignment editors for you:  If you stink at or just don’t get how to source build yet, befriend a veteran assignment editor.  They source build as well as most investigative reporters.  And they don’t get to leave the station.  Heck, most barely get potty breaks.  Also, be clear reporters, assignment editors are not your personal secretaries.  You need to make the calls to get the information.  If you are behind or overwhelmed talk with an EP first about whether an associate producer can help you out.  And, yes, I am serious.  The assignment editor has you, all the other reporters on your shift, the planning producers, the reporters on the next shift and usually at least one manager asking them to make phone calls.  That’s in addition to calling their contacts and listening to scanners and reading 5 million news releases to make sure the station isn’t missing something important.  And, if the station misses a big story, it is usually the assignment editor that gets reamed for it.

Producers, your assignment editor can help protect your show from technical disasters as well or better than the production team.  He/she knows intimate details about the live trucks, signal strengths, how to get around a lazy person in master control, when to humor an ENG engineer and lots of other very useful stuff.  Beyond that, they know which crews are great at cranking out work and which ones need a constant swift kick.  If you have a story that must make slot, period, make sure the assignment editor is well aware ASAP.  If you see the assignment editor is in the weeds, answer the newsroom phone.  Help out.  There is nothing more excruciating than trying to take down information while hearing phones ringing all around you.  Think about the times when every reporter feels the need to call in for script approval all at once.  All of them need it “RIGHT NOW!” to make slot and you can only read/listen to so much at a time and actually comprehend what’s going on.  That’s what it’s like being an assignment editor for at least half of every workday.  Cut ‘em some slack!

Managers, when an assignment editor walks into your office and shuts the door to discuss a potential issue, stop what you are doing and listen.  Most of the time, this person is saving you from potential disaster.  If they do, throw them a bone once in a while.  Have a favorite meal dropped off for lunch.  Buy them a latte.  Write a thank you note for all he/she does and throw it into his/her mailbox.  Everyone should remember to say thank you once in a while.  The strength of the assignment desk plays a huge role in whether your station is #1, #3 or worse.  It can set the tone for morale in the whole newsroom because the desk has direct contact with all the key players every day.

So, when you get an assignment that just plain sucks, don’t kill the messenger.  The assignment editor is following orders.  When you are told do it and like it, remember that’s the mantra these guys/gals live under every day.  They often take more crap than the rest of us, and then turn it into gold.

Reporting Alliance : Your Key to the desk.

Reporters often feel left on their own.  There is some truth to that feeling since you are out and about, and your bosses are not there to really watch you work.  Assumptions are made about what you do and don’t do by managers and producers.  Often you are not given the benefit of the doubt.

That’s why it is crucial to form good relationships with a group “on the inside.” In your case that group should be assignment desk editors.  The assignment desk is the 411 of newsrooms.  Editors on the desk can be intense and bark orders.  But remember, they are under the kind of pressure you face the last two hours of your shift, all day long.  There is little to no down time.  I had friends on the assignment desk constantly get bladder infections because they could not break away from the desk long enough to  go to the bathroom regularly.  I am telling you this, because having the knowledge of what the assignment desk goes through helps you know how to build a smart alliance.

Reporters (like producers in our Producing Alliance article) will get priority day-to-day based on how they treat the assignment editor.  Sure, if you are on a breaker, you will get more attention and help. But when it’s just day-to-day, run of the mill news you can bet the reporters that are respectful to the assignment desk get more support.

So what can you do to build a smart alliance with assignment editors?  First, don’t call the desk for simple phone numbers.  With technology today, there are plenty of ways to get numbers without calling the desk.  Remember, the assignment desk is looking for fresh news all day long in addition to planning segments and stories for managers, making beat calls and answering the phone all day long.  As someone who sat next to the assignment desk for more than a decade I can attest, just answering the phone can be a full time job.  It doesn’t let up until about 9 at night.  Respect the fact the assignment editor is busy and is not your personal receptionist.  I never got over how many crews in the field really thought assignment editors just existed to be glorified receptionists for the newsroom.  Not the case.

When you do have the luck to be done with your package early in your shift, occasionally sit on the assignment desk and help out for a little while.  This is a huge sign of respect.  Sit up there, and answer the phone.  It can also be a great place to drum up story ideas and source build a bit.  The assignment editor knows who talks on what shift and who is good to call on the down low when you need to fact check.  This is smart to do, especially when you first move to an area.  Sitting on the desk to help out a little here and there will help you build sources quickly.  (See How to generate story ideas when you are swamped for more help on that)  Assignment editors also help do futures planning, so sitting up there gives you a chance to express interest in an upcoming story or special that the assignment editor is researching.  They will often let managers know, if you expressed interest, to try and help you get the assignment.

Check in regularly with the desk.  A lot of crews resent this and consider it a sinister plot to spy on you and track how hard you work.  You don’t have to give a full report if you happen to be done with your package early and are working sources for future stories.  Just call with a location and how long you think you will be there.  Assignment editors love when crews do this.  It takes 10 seconds and speaks volumes for your respect for the role of the assignment desk.  No the assignment editors are not plotting what to send you on next to work you into the ground.  They are constantly being hounded by management and producers over where crews are and how viable the stories assigned to them really are.  Just calling and saying:  “Hey we are in such and such city and will be here approximately 1 hour” helps the assignment editor show management that he/she is in touch with the crews.  It also makes you look very responsible and a team player.  Yes, you might occasionally get sent to something else because of this.  I did notice that most of the time the assignment editors fought for the crews that called in.  They could tell management this reporter has an hour left on their package so let’s pull someone else.  Knowledge is power and the assignment desk goes out of its way to protect content.  That is a key element of the position.

Finally, if you are done with your story and are sent to breaking news, don’t gripe to the desk if you and the assignment editor know the story is probably bullshit. The assignment editor more than likely has management breathing down his/her neck and often will report if you are being difficult.  If you say okay and suck it up and go, the assignment editor appreciates one less fight in the day and will likely try to prevent sending you on the next wild goose chase.  The point, in case you missed it:  If you gripe, you will get the crap job more. The assignment desk controls a lot of your destiny including which photographer is assigned to you most days.  If you want less hassle, give the assignment desk less hassle.  You both will appreciate each other more.

Producing Alliances: Assign and direct.

Line producers are often in a very uncomfortable spot in newsrooms.  You are in charge of a newscast, yet you are not a manager with any teeth.  Competition between producers generally is pretty intense so you cannot really confide in another producer at your station.  Your job is confusing for other people in the newsroom to really grasp.  You don’t want to spill your guts to your EP, so it can appear in your review a few months later.

So who do you align yourself with?  I always had the best luck with directors and assignment editors.

In the article “ Right Hand Meet Your Left ” I describe why having a good relationship with your director is important.  Now I want to talk more about the benefits of this smart alliance.

Directors tend to be extremely detail oriented.  That means they can pick up on things you might do that you aren’t even aware of.  When starting out as a producer, I had problems with my weekend newscasts timing out correctly.  During the morning and weekday noon shows, I had no timing problems.  I tried different techniques for several weeks with no luck.  I was ready to pull my hair out!  Then I decided to ask the director for advice. But, he was much more experienced and I was concerned he would think less of me.  When I finally asked if he noticed anything about my timing he said: “Yes. I’ve been waiting for you to ask. I didn’t want to seem pushy.”  Turns out, the final commercial break varied wildly from the rundown format.  I had never known to check the traffic log for my breaks.  That was never taught to me.  He showed me where to get the log and what to look for.  I never mistimed a show again.

Directors also tend to be dismissed by managers and other newsroom employees during a shift. Because of this, they hear everything and if you have developed a strong relationship based on trust, your director may give you a heads up when something big is about to happen that involves you.  Several times I found out management was considering moving me to another newscast, from my director.  I had several days to prepare before news management got around to telling me.  I never betrayed the director’s trust and was able to arm myself if I didn’t like the shift change to try and fight for “my show.”

In some shops directors are considered managers.  They are consulted before changes take place especially when it comes to formatting newscasts.  You want a heads up when possible and you want to be able to weigh in.  Several times directors came to me with proposed format or policy changes and asked my opinion before weighing in themselves.  We wanted to be on the same page to protect our shift.

The other smart alliance is with assignment editors.  (We will dedicate an entire article to assignment editors soon.  They are unsung heroes in many newsrooms.)  I went out of my way to develop a relationship with my assignment editors because often they are the next closest thing to producers in terms of constant grind.  Again, assignment editors are a type of manager, yet don’t really have teeth, just like producers.  And, just like producers, they sit down to work and don’t get downtime until they are in the car on the way home.  Assignment editors are also consulted on things that impact your shift, but involve the crews more.  They are a great resource for understanding what the crews in the field are going through during an actual shift.  Usually the crews are too swamped to fill you in themselves.  Crews know management will check in with the assignment desk and therefore usually tell the desk any elements first.  If you are not respectful to your assignment editor, you will not get as many updates about the crews and will not get to weigh in on how you want those updates. This can have a dramatic impact on your day-to-day job duties.  Also, if you are curt toward your assignment editor, you will end up having to constantly check the assignment file and scroll through hoping to figure out what the newest information is on local vo’s etc.  If you are respectful, you might get a top line or quick phone call so you know when to write local elements and when to wait for crucial information.

So how do you set up a solid relationship with the assignment desk?  If you have even a moment help make some calls when the desk is overwhelmed.   I used to ask my associate producer to check with the assignment editor to see if he/she needed a quick break once or twice a shift.  My AP could listen to the scanners and answer the phone and my assignment editor could at least walk the building or grab a snack and relax a little.  If breaking news hit, I had the AP get on the desk with the assignment editor and help make calls or, if the assignment editor preferred, be in charge of sending me top lines about the information like a crews’ ETA to the breaking news scene.

Bottom line, producers cannot do their job properly without information, and without a way to cleanly place that information on a television screen.  Treat the people who allow you to perform these key tasks with respect and you will get the help you need to put on the best newscast possible each day.

So Cliché! How to avoid overused phrases

We all have news wording that makes our skin crawl: “area residents,” “alleged” and “budget woes” to name a few.  Recently on Twitter a group of us started listing phrases that make us cringe.  Then one producer tweeted, “What do you use instead?”  Great question and we’re going to give you some answers.

First we need to discuss why these phrases come up so you can better understand how to avoid them.  In seminars you are taught that these phrases are formal language and not written for the ear.  That’s often true.  It can be hard to write on a computer screen and imagine the words actually coming out of someone’s mouth.  There’s more behind writers using these so called “crutch phrases” though.  Because they are used so often, they have become a sort of news slang.  They seem dependable when you write.  In fact it almost becomes expected that you will write this way.  Take music for example.  Thanks, in part, to tons of country and rock songs the term “ain’t” is now in the dictionary.  Think about it.  If you start singing songs in your head, it won’t take long to come across one with “ain’t” in the lyrics.  Many of the songs have amazing phrases, cadence and messages.  Yet the lyricist throws in “ain’t?”  It seems likes “ain’t” is expected in a song.  Now consider news copy.  The clichés we’re talking about are news writers versions of “ain’t.”  They are slang terms that some writers use as crutches because they hear them all the time.  Where?  In newsrooms, all day long.  Ask a reporter for a headline as he/she runs to a fire.  Chances are you will be told fire is at such and such address and “completely destroyed” the building.  We simply use these terms all the time.  But that does not mean they should end up in our news copy.

Writers (and by that we mean everyone who writes: anchors, producers, associate producers, reporters even assignment editors) also use these phrases because they are writing in a hurry.  When you are slamming information into the assignment file or into a script just to get the show done, you are going to use terms you are most familiar with.  That’s how the mind works.  You might call it: “News slang  under duress.”  Then a writer comes along for the next retread and ends up not comfortable with the story.  He/she clings to the news slang already in the script to avoid possibly changing the meaning of the copy.  Now you see how the cycle repeats over and over.

So how do you break the cycle of “news slang under duress?”  Discipline.  It begins with you printing out the news copy you write once every week and reading it over at home when you are more relaxed.  Have your highlighter ready and mark your “crutch phrases.”  Then work to eliminate them one at a time from all of your writing.  Write the “crutch phrase” on a notecard, then write three alternate types of wording.  Post the notecard somewhere on your desk at work.  That way, when you are slamming, you have quick options to avoid the clichés.

Many of the worst news clichés are easily avoided when deleting one word: “completely destroyed” becomes “destroyed.”  “Clouds of uncertainty” becomes uncertain.  “Brutal murder” is “murder.”  Most of this “news speak” is used while trying to provide an image.  “Clouds of uncertainty,” “brandishing a firearm,” “budget ax,” “hanging in the balance,” even “hit the nail on the head,” all put pictures in your mind.  These terms are not how you provide images in TV news.  You have video to provide the images.  Moving pictures are what separate us from newspapers and radio.  Remember when “writing for the ear” as consultants say, you are also writing to, or complimenting, the video.  (We  explain how to write to video more in depth in Can you picture it article.)  Your words do not need to put images in a person’s mind.  Again, this is not radio or the newspaper.  Your words need to get someone to look at the TV screen to see the images you are showing.  Your words also provide perspective.

Providing perspective means you need to understand what you are writing about.  I saw this repeatedly as a producer and an EP.  If the writer, be it a reporter, assignment editor, anchor, producer or associate producer did not understand the content, the copy became cliché.  When we are uncomfortable, we cling to crutches.  If you are unclear in understanding the story, you must ask for information before writing it.

Now let’s address the comment from the producer on Twitter asking what alternates to use for the crutch phrases.  Since writing for television news is always under duress, we at survivetvnewsjobs.com has posted  alternatives in an extensive list. ( Cliché list )  Here’s to making sure all of our copy isn’t “so cliché!”

The Assignment Editor 2.0: More Collaboration, Newer Tools

Back in the late 1990s and early ’00s, when Cater Lee was a reporter for the likes of KNBC and KCAL in Los Angeles, the assignment desk was centrally located in the newsroom. Its editor likely spent extensive time across their day scrolling through police scanners, reading press releases and fielding tipster calls to identify news stories. From it emerged a dictation of Lee’s day.

Purveyors of the newsroom’s assignment desk today, however, are typically less head coach and more quarterback, fronting colorful offenses filled with audibles, option plays and other collaborative trickery that’s designed to always push the ball forward. In other words, story dispersal in a newsroom has increasingly become a team effort, with reporters and producers having more of a say in what makes it to broadcast. Digital technology has also chipped away at the relevance of many dinosaur-era tools assignment editors used to rely on so heavily.

But as the job changes, assignment editors remain a dedicated folk, dug into the frontlines of journalism’s war with mis- and disinformation, while doing their best to help generate broadcasts with wider-reaching community impact. Always, they’re relegated to behind-the-scenes grunt work, and rarely do they get their due.

Julie Wolfe

The capable assignment editor, she observes, will “know all the information”: facts to support a package’s viability, sources that a reporter can contact to round it out, and whether a story is worth any airtime to begin with.

A presence like that in a newsroom matches the significance of an engine in a car, as one assignment editor puts it. Wolfe says assignment editors are like “orchestral conductors,” while additional metaphors that float through interviews stem from human biology. One editor calls the assignment desk the newsroom’s brain; others liken the role’s import to that of the heart or central nervous system, for it’s the assignment editor who pumps data to the farthest reaches of the newsroom, which of course now stretches well beyond the walls of an office building.

Social’s Key Role

Along with an innate sense of what makes for a quality newscast, to effectively manage the assignment desk, editors need top-flight organizational and communication skills, just as they have for decades. These days, familiarity with the social media universe is of equal consequence.

“Twitter’s huge,” he says. “When it comes to breaking news, often we’ll see it on Twitter now before we hear it on police scanners, which is just incredible.”

Darren Whitehead, digital desk lead at another Tegna NBC affiliate, KUSA Denver, says Colorado police scanners are encrypted, but monitoring Twitter helps him pick up the slack.

“Most of the ways that the police departments and fire departments are communicating with us is they’re putting out [updates] on social media, and usually it’s not immediate, it’s well after something has happened,” Whitehead says. “We get calls from people in the community being, like, ‘What the hell is going on down the block from me?’ Then we have to call [the responsible agency], and then they tweet out to everyone — without calling us back — all the information.”

Assignment editors set up Tweet Deck channels, or Social News Desk dashboards, where they follow various government agencies, other news sources like the Associated Press and additional relevant accounts where prospective stories may pop up. Dataminr alerts help inform assignment editors, too; neighborhood-focused Reddit forums and community-based apps like Nextdoor can sometimes supply story ideas as well.

Then, there are community-related Facebook groups, which one assignment editor says she joins using a public profile associated with their news team position. Another longtime story assigner says she taps younger newsroom colleagues to examine Instagram, Snapchat and other social media platforms they might be more comfortable navigating through.

Scrutiny’s Imperative

Like in the past with press releases — though assignment editors still lift stories from those on occasion — they can’t take what’s written online at face value. The same can be said for what citizen tipsters tell the assignment editor over the phone or in emails, as well as what public information officers say.

“People ask me what the hell I do, and I always tell them, ‘Well, the assignment desk is usually ‘first response,’” Whitehead says. “You gotta sift through the bullshit.”

While they may have always prioritized backing up facts, with sources, data and other means, assignment editors in 2022 say there is an added emphasis on getting story facts unquestionably correct.

Jamila Elder

“There are some stations that report solely off of what they hear on the scanners. We are not that station,” says Jamila Elder, assignment editor at WRAL, Capitol Broadcasting’s NBC affiliate in Raleigh, N.C. “You dig deep, you reach out to your contacts and you wait until you get [your information] confirmed, even though your competition station may be reporting it. As an assignment editor that’s very frustrating because we’re very competitive; you want to get the information and you want to get it first, [but] we would rather wait and get it right, than to report it first and get it wrong.”

Experience Matters

In many cases, as one assignment editor puts it, newsies “fall into” their positions at the assignment desk. The experience they bring with them, often as a reporter or anchor, serves them well in the role.

WXIN-WTTV Indianapolis assignment desk personnel (l-r): Adam Bartels, Ruthanne Gordon, Tim O’Brien and Sabrina Adams. (Greg Wilkerson photo)

Prior to Ruthanne Gordon becoming senior planning manager for Nexstar’s WXIN (Fox)-WTTV (CBS) Indianapolis, she was an assignment editor for 33 years. Before that, she was a reporter and anchor for more than five years, bringing with her to the assignment desk an assortment of connections from her front-of-the-camera days that she continues to call upon. Her phone book has only ballooned bigger throughout her 45 years in news.

“I have quite a Rolodex,” Gordon says, “I think that’s what they wanted when I came to this position as senior planning manager.” Cops she first met doing stand-ups, she says, “are now the commanders here in town, so I’ve kept those cell numbers, and that’s where I have an advantage.”

Working as a journalist before manning the assignment desk also helps cultivate that vital instinct of what makes for a compelling newscast. However, the assignment desk is also a prime location for industry newbies to break in and learn — a lot — on the fly.

“You gotta pay your dues by working the weekends,” Elder says. “That was where I learned the most because you don’t have a lot of managers, so you have to make those on-the-spot decisions. So, I was able to make those mistakes on that weekend shift, but I was also able to learn from those mistakes and learn how to make good news decisions.”

“This is a great way of starting and learning,” Gordon says of the assignment desk gig. Calling it a way to “fast-track” those new to the industry, she adds: “You can jump off of this and go produce a show [or] jump in a truck and go do an interview.”

Kendra Gilbert, senior assignment editor at KING, had no experience in a TV newsroom before hopping into the assignment desk chair at a station in her home market of Fresno, Calif. Fresh out of college, she struggled to find work in print journalism, her focus of study in school. But that degree still meant she could sniff out a good story and, combining that sense with strong organizational and communication skills, she was confident she could fill the seat just fine.

Kendra Gilbert

She’s held an assignment editor position at one West Coast station or another for nine years running. She says to excel in the role one has to be comfortable working in “a fast-paced environment,” and have the ability to “turn on a dime” and “focus on one thing and switch to another.”

Collaboration Grows

Elder statesman Gordon says of the assignment editor job demands: “It keeps me young.” Both she and the more youthful Gilbert say the position has also become more collaborative in recent years.

“We do sort of have that gatekeeper role,” Gilbert says. Still, she continues, “there’s always this two-way exchange of information between the desk and the reporters.”

Assignment editors consider reporter strengths, areas of interest and experience when deciding in whose hands a story will be entrusted. But they also field pitches from reporters and engage in broad conversations about the day’s items of interest with various members of the team.

“Nobody runs on their own in here; we have a tight-knit group [and] we back each other up,” Gordon says of the group at her Nexstar stations. “If we have spot news … we all jump in, and that’s the key to a really good assignment desk. You give and take, and you have that flexibility that at the end of the day, we’ve covered it, we’ve got it, we’ve got angles that nobody else has thought of.”

Not only does the team effort behind story assignment potentially add layers and depth to an eventual package, but it reinforces the integrity of the news it delivers across an entire broadcast, day in, day out.

In the constant struggle to identify mis- and disinformation, while also presenting stories in appropriate context, “that is where a collective, collaborative culture of a newsroom saves you,” KING’s Wolfe says. “If you are, as a team, having editorial checks, conversations, diverse viewpoints, bringing different people in, then you can catch those things and catch yourself and find the right story.

“That’s why I think having a diverse newsroom is so key, because different people are going to see different things and think about different questions and weigh that story against their own experience …. Whether it’s a big newsroom or a small newsroom, getting people together to talk about stories is just really, really important.” she says.

Decentralized Approach

One would be hard-pressed to find a more profound example of the increasingly collaborative nature the assignment editor’s job has assumed over the past handful of years than the organizational structure at Lee’s Southern California Spectrum News channel.

In an effort to cover the market’s five counties, across a sprawling megalopolis, her channel employs an assignment editor manager and four individual assignment editors, each of whom are primarily stationed in different parts of the region: north, south, east and west. They report to the station’s office in El Segundo once per week on a rotating basis, but otherwise they’re out in the field, working closely with reporters as they scour for stories and continually develop relationships with sources.

Lee says the more decentralized arrangement allows for her newsroom to be less “reactive” — as others have been historically — and more “proactive,” engaging in “enterprise storytelling.”

“Of course, we still react, because there’s breaking news,” Lee says, “but when there is real enterprise storytelling, you’re working in advance, working your sources and your community and really becoming experts on the ground, and it’s been an amazing collaboration.

“That’s what has gotten lost, is the idea that, really, journalists should have their ears on the ground, they should be developing beats and sources, and they should be working with assignment editors — story planners — to figure out the best way to tell those stories together,” she says. “It’s been a really exciting team approach to newsgathering.”

Seeking Deeper Impact

Whether they’ve been part of an experiment in cutting-edge structural invention or traditionally clock into the newsroom and sit at a stationary desk throughout their shift, assignment editors bear the brunt of the responsibility to shuttle broadcasts away from coverage of police blotter-discovered stories, such as shootings, robberies, and fires. Today’s consumers are craving more from their TV news, and stories with farther-reaching impact have to be sought out by those tasked with assigning them to reporters.

“We definitely are trying to be mindful of stories that are affecting more people in our community,” says WRAL’s Elder. “Gone are the days of ‘If it bleeds, it leads.’ That was old school.”

Still, it’s not entirely true that crime and property destruction should completely be dismissed. “When it comes to your family’s safety, the safety of your business, being able to walk down the sidewalk in your city, that is super-relevant to our viewers,” Wolfe says. “The idea that crime is not relevant is the wrong approach. The right approach is: How do we add information and context? How do we stand for truth and hold people accountable? What does the data tell us about that crime? That’s where the impactful stories are.”

Weighing all these factors in choosing stories, maintaining a constantly updated contact database with identifying tags, ensuring that reports are factually concrete and so many other responsibilities, the assignment editor job is certainly not for everybody. But those who do it well can honorably take tremendous pride in their work, which, if nothing else, is undeniably relentless.

“You should never be bored on the assignment desk,” KING’s Gilbert says. “It’s not a place where you can complete one task and then kick back and say, ‘I’ve done it for the day.’ You should always be busy.”

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Corrie Harding says:

March 8, 2022 at 9:11 am

Great write up. I would add one piece of perspective on the ‘parts of the body’ metaphor. In my experience, the Assignment Desk can be the hands reaching out in the dark, or the ears listening for the important ‘sounds’ or the ‘eyes’ looking toward the horizon. All in addition to being part of ‘the brain.’ Ruthanne nailed it. The key is that a video based, broadcast/digital newsroom must have a desk, producers, reporters, and managers that act in a symbiotic relationship. Each must be able to quickly shift based on the news department’s overall vision, and always support each other.

LeCouteur says:

June 13, 2022 at 9:24 am

I never knew how to write beautifully when I needed it, I spent Sleepless nights to write At least a more or less beautiful text, but as a result, I began to turn to similar writing services and my life became much easier and the texts are much better, because on such services the text professionals write, you just have to learn the text

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Sharing a Desk in a Hybrid Office Setting [11 Best Practices]

Table of contents:.

Several employees sharing a desk is a great way to make the most out of your office space. But before you get started, you should know that organizing desk sharing in your company is a multi-step process.

Once you’ve laid the foundation by surveying your employees and taking your work culture into account, it’s time to set specific rules.

Depending on your company, you may want to keep things loose and only introduce a simple desk sharing/hot desking policy .

Quick Summary:

Here are 11 best practices for sharing a desk:

• Consider Beginning With a Test Run
• Ask Team Members to Perform a Full Reset Every Day
• Designate Spaces for Different Purposes
• Create Office Neighborhoods
• Control the Noise
• Consider Instituting a BYOD Policy
• Use Technology to Make Reserving Desks Easy
• Provide Personal Storage Space
• Centralize Shared Documentation
• Offer Adjustable Equipment
• Remove Unused Cables and Hide Used Ones

If you’re implementing desk sharing at a larger company, it’s a good idea to spend a bit more time on the issue and create additional guidelines.

To help you get started, we’ve compiled 11 key desk-sharing best practices that you can use directly or slightly alter to suit your company’s needs.

What Does Sharing a Desk Mean?

Sharing a desk is a flexible desk arrangement in which employees aren’t assigned a single desk — rather, they share desks with their co-workers. This system, which gives employees flexibility and the freedom to move around the office with ease, is a key part of hybrid work models.

Desk sharing is similar to hot desking in that employees can use any available desk on a first-come, first-served basis. This means team members can work where they feel most comfortable and productive.

The framework behind desk sharing is similar to co-working spaces in that it encourages collaboration and a sense of community. A recent study shows that 43% of people who use these types of spaces are able to concentrate better, and 43% believe that desk sharing gives them a better work-life balance.

Increased productivity and concentration aren’t the only benefits of desk sharing. As the way we work is becoming increasingly flexible, up to 40% of organizations’ desk space sits empty on a given workday.

Amid rising real estate costs, walking away from one assigned desk per employee means less overall square footage needed.

Additionally, newly freed-up space could be repurposed or reimagined for more meeting rooms to facilitate collaboration, relaxation areas , creative lounges, and other multifunctional layouts designed to improve the way employees collaborate.

But first comes a cohesive desk-sharing policy!

Our Top 11 Desk-Sharing Best Practices

Here are just a few tips you could implement in your company’s desk-sharing policy:

1. Consider Beginning With a Test Run

Before you implement anything new in your office , it’s important to be transparent about the upcoming changes with your team.

A desk arrangement like sharing may seem strange if you’ve never worked in a hybrid workplace before .

That said, there are several different ways that you can prepare your team for this change. Call an all-hands meeting to let everyone know you’d like to start sharing desks.

You’ll also have to decide whether to implement a daily desk assignment for each person or use hot desks instead. Furthermore, you should mention the benefits of desk sharing so that your team knows why you want to try it out.

You may also want to consider a test run to help everyone ease into sharing desks.

Try desk sharing for 30 days, and then gather employee feedback. If there is a big push against it, take the time to go over those all-important benefits again or design workarounds to address employee concerns.

2. Ask Team Members to Perform a Full Reset Every Day

Hygiene is of utmost importance when it comes to sharing a desk.

Whether one or several co-workers use a certain desk over the course of a workday, any signs of usage should be removed by the end of work hours.

Removing all personal items from the desk and wiping them down (you’ll need to provide sanitizers and antibacterial wipes), throwing away any trash, and putting desks and chairs back where they belong are all a big part of proper desk-sharing etiquette.

Create a checklist to establish a system for the full reset. Consider adding the following items to it:

• Pack up personal belongings.
• Wipe down the dedicated workspace, including the desk itself.
• Use sanitizer on the computer and/or phone.
• Take out the trash.
• Reposition the desk and chair as they were before you arrived.

By doing this, whoever comes in next can immediately start using the desk — and set it up the way they prefer.

3. Designate Spaces for Different Purposes

Community and collaboration are the biggest benefits of in-person work.

To enhance the community aspect of the office while still respecting people’s privacy and need for space, you can designate different areas for socializing or collaborating. Of course, providing the opportunity for people to withdraw is equally important.

A few examples of areas you may want to designate in your space include the following:

• Breakout zones serve as social hubs where people can spontaneously socialize, have lunch breaks, or hold informal meetings.
• Collaborative spaces or conference rooms for holding meetings, brainstorming, giving presentations, or other similar activities.
• Kitchen area and cafe that is entirely dedicated to preparing food and socializing.
• Silent areas or touchdown zones where employees can focus more intensely or take a short break in silence.
• If you have the space, consider installing a soundproof phone booth where employees can make phone calls without disturbing anyone else.

Don’t forget about the importance of taking breaks.

Implementing a space for employees to take a timeout from working can show them that you care — and do wonders for their productivity and happiness as a result.

A study conducted by Staples noted that a whopping 85% of employees who were surveyed believe that taking breaks helps to boost productivity. The same study found that 59% of people believed that taking more breaks would increase their happiness at work and reduce stress.

Happy employees are more productive employees, which can also go a long way in terms of job satisfaction.

4. Create Office Neighborhoods

While we’re on the topic of organizing your office space, office neighborhoods are another handy concept for office managers to consider.

An office “neighborhood” is a seating arrangement that ensures people who share something about the workplace are grouped together. It’s a great way to organize desk sharing effectively and many facility managers use it. It creates a productive desk environment, as employees can easily work together without having to worry about moving around too much.

Neighborhoods can be organized around teams or departments, shared work on projects, shared needs or daily activities (like a seclusion or collaboration space), or shared requirements for amenities and equipment.

Depending on the number of desks, the number of employees and their needs, and how much unused office space you have, there are tons of variations to choose from.

When done correctly, office neighborhoods can help you create a work environment that encourages flexible work, a healthy workplace culture , efficient space utilization, occupancy, collaboration, and productivity.

5. Control the Noise

Since office spaces are frequently open and there are plenty of distractions, introducing some sort of noise control is important.

This is a major piece of the desk etiquette puzzle, as it can help people be more respectful of others. Moreover, if your desk-sharing policy groups together people with different needs, reducing noise levels will help keep everyone happy.

Here are a few basic noise control rules to help get you started:

• Keep all devices, especially smartphones and laptops, silent.
• Have informal conversations in only designated spaces.
• Take phone calls and meetings in conference/meeting rooms.

In terms of office design, you can also reduce the amount of sound bouncing around by using carpets and other noise-absorbing surfaces and furniture . Ergonomic chairs made from fabrics such as suede or microfiber are just one example.

6. Consider Instituting a BYOD Policy

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) is an approach that allows employees to use their own devices rather than company-provided ones. Of course, depending on the nature of your company’s work and security needs, this may not be possible.

If your business allows people to use their own devices, you can eliminate part of the difficulty associated with desk sharing — namely, having dedicated computers and other devices (like laptops and headphones) on every desk.

This also presents huge potential cost savings , as you won’t have to worry about purchasing devices or other accessories for your entire company. If you can implement it, a BYOD policy is an ideal solution for saving money.

What’s more, letting employees use their own devices is much more convenient for them. Going from their personal computer to their work computer and back again can be frustrating. Additionally, some people are more comfortable with Mac than a PC, and vice versa. BYOD, if you can manage it, is a win-win for your hybrid desk environment.

7. Use Technology to Make Desk Reservations Easy

Using desk booking software (i.e., going from hot desking to desk hoteling) can hugely reduce the friction for your company and all the employees that share their workstations. Desk hoteling means that employees can reserve a desk in advance, just as they would book a hotel room before going on vacation.

Team members can simply open the app (or use Google Calendar, Slack, or Teams ) and see who else is in the office and the availability of desks. They can then book desks, depending on their flexible schedules.

A complete hybrid workplace management system will also enable them to book meeting rooms without going through an intermediary. By the way, OfficeRnD Hybrid offers a free meeting room booking system .

And if certain employees in your company need permanent desks or private offices, a good hybrid workplace software should allow you to institute assigned desks so they’re not available for booking by anyone else.

The best desk booking software can take much of the guesswork out of desk sharing. Creating flexible workspaces also requires a level of organization, and technology can help you stay on top of things.

8. Provide Personal Storage Space

One of the challenges of getting rid of permanent workstations is the inability to leave personal items in a designated personal workspace.

Providing lockers or other types of secure personal storage where people can leave their belongings easily resolves this issue. Having personal storage space will also reduce the overall amount of clutter and a lot of the daily activities related to resetting one’s workplace.

Other potential challenges of desk sharing include a lack of privacy, space, and the ability to personalize. Giving people their own space means they’ll have the freedom to decorate it as they like. They’ll also be able to keep any personal or private belongings out of reach of others.

9. Centralize Shared Documentation

Whether in physical form or in the cloud, centralizing shared documentation is another way to reduce clutter and optimize space usage, as well as avoid duplication and paper waste.

Set up a centralized space for files or banks of lockers where shared documentation is stored. You may also think about putting important documents on simple USB drives so that employees don’t have to worry about physical copies.

The same principle can also be applied to digital documentation via the use of centralized and secure cloud spaces.

In the face of cyberattacks, having a strong and secure cloud space is essential. Google Cloud is just one option. Do your research and consult with your IT team to determine the best solution for your needs.

10. Offer Adjustable Equipment

When implementing desk sharing, you need to make sure that everyone’s basic needs for comfort at the workplace can be met. This can be achieved by providing ergonomic furniture (like adjustable desks) that employees can adjust to suit their needs in order to feel at home at their desks for the day.

Such furniture and equipment can include adjustable-height desks, a variety of chairs and seating options, and adjustable monitors. And even though natural light is best, the ability to individually adjust one’s lighting via a desk lamp is another good option to have.

11. Remove Unused Cables and Hide Used Ones

While wireless technology has largely taken over, companies still maintain cables for ethernet access — and even, in some cases, landline telephones — just in case.

Simple as it might be, removing as many cables as possible declutters the office further and grants employees some freedom to move desks around (if allowed by your desk-sharing policy). You should also keep the cables that you do need out of the way so that people don’t trip over them.

There are many ways to organize phone cables and other wired equipment. Here are some basic ideas to help you get started:

• Attach cables to the wall using adhesive strips.
• Use small ties to group similar cables together.
• Label your cables so you can easily determine which ones are for which device.
• Store any unused cables in a drawer.

Not only will keeping your cables organized help keep your office clutter-free, but it will also make the desk experience a lot more enjoyable. And for most, a clear workspace means a clear mind.

Speaking of cables, don’t forget to include plenty of outlets on all desks for all those devices!

Getting Started with Desk Sharing

The above practices for sharing desk spaces are intended to help you get into the mindset of organizing your workplace as you embark on the hybrid work journey.

As you get started, you may also want to get some expert help with managing your desks, booking rooms, and managing your hybrid workplace. OfficeRnD Hybrid can help you address the challenges of hybrid work by helping employees embrace the new way of working while relieving you of many tedious administrative tasks.

Start for free with OfficeRnD Hybrid to learn how we can help you enable hybrid work and elevate workplace collaboration.

Policies around desk sharing allow employees to choose their desks on a weekly or daily basis rather than having assigned, permanent desks. Sharing a desk is a great way to make use of office space and cater to employees with flexible schedules.

How Do You Implement Desk Sharing?

You should always let your team know when you’re planning to make a change. Additionally, you need to come up with a plan to help things run as smoothly as possible. Other things to consider include implementing a bring-your-own-device policy, creating a place to store shared documents, and offering adjustable equipment.

What Are the Advantages of Desk Sharing?

Reduced costs, smaller offices (which is beneficial if you move your office ), and the ability to attract talent are all advantages of desk sharing. Cost reduction may be the most intriguing feature for business owners looking for ways to save money.

What is the Etiquette for Someone Else’s Desk?

The etiquette for someone else’s desk includes respecting the other person’s belongings, not assuming you can use their things without permission, not leaving trash or clutter, and not taking or moving anything without permission.

What are the Issues with Desk Sharing?

Some issues with desk sharing include the potential loss of privacy and personal space for employees, the perception of a less personalized workplace, and the potential for a negative impact on company culture and sense of belonging.

How do you Tell a Coworker to Clean Their Desk?

It is important to approach the situation tactfully and respectfully when telling a coworker to clean their desk. One approach is to explain how a clean workspace can lead to increased productivity and a better work environment for everyone. Another approach is to offer to help or suggest a cleaning schedule to make it easier for the coworker to maintain a clean desk.

• desk sharing
• Desk Hoteling
• Hybrid Workplace

Miro Miroslavov

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Assignment Editor Job Description

Assignment editor duties & responsibilities.

To write an effective assignment editor job description, begin by listing detailed duties, responsibilities and expectations. We have included assignment editor job description templates that you can modify and use.

Sample responsibilities for this position include:

Assignment Editor Qualifications

Qualifications for a job description may include education, certification, and experience.

Education for Assignment Editor

Typically a job would require a certain level of education.

Employers hiring for the assignment editor job most commonly would prefer for their future employee to have a relevant degree such as Bachelor's and Collage Degree in Journalism, Communications, Broadcast Journalism, Education, Associates, Social Media, Television, Broadcasting, Communication, Computer

Skills for Assignment Editor

Desired skills for assignment editor include:

Desired experience for assignment editor includes:

Assignment Editor Examples

• Microsoft Word (.docx) .DOCX
• PDF Document (.pdf) .PDF
• Image File (.png) .PNG
• The editor will be responsible for assigning and editing stories and running the news team for the first few hours on the 6 am shift
• The editor will work close with colleagues on the video team to develop cross-platform packages
• The editor will also report and write stories, either breaking news or features, usually in the second half of the day but sometimes during an early-morning news crunch
• Open the NY breaking news desk at 6 am daily, assigning, editing and as needed writing stories to keep the site competitive and distinctive in its news coverage
• Guide the development of stories from start to finish
• Edit stories sharply and cleanly, ensuring they meet the overall editorial direction set for the site
• Help reporters frame stories and focus reporting as needed
• Write breaking news and feature stories
• Conceptualize, create, develop, manage and edit content focused on a user-driven strategy that understands the nuances of packaging content for the web, mobile web, social and apps
• Achieve established editorial goals and deadlines and ensure others do the same
• Previous experience utilizing ENPS/OPUS news production software or similar software
• Digital content skills in website and social platforms
• Minimum of 2 years experience working as an assignment editor
• Must be willing and able to work flexible hours , under tight deadline pressure, occasionally with little or no warning
• Must be willing to work at WNJU headquarters in Ft
• Have at least three years experience in digital journalism
• Develop and maintain relationships with editorial and creative talent own sources
• Receive and investigate news tips
• Support newscast Producers
• Responsible for listening to scanners
• Responsible for coordinating multiple field crews
• Bachelor’s Degree in journalism or communications background preferred
• 2 years experience in a top 50 market newsroom
• Knowledge of the San Diego area a plus
• Responsibilities include managing all aspects of daily news coverage, assigning and tracking news crews, monitoring breaking news and online resources, developing sources in law enforcement and local government generating story ideas
• Additional responsibilities include gathering news content for producers, editors, photographers, and managing editors, while working closely with other newsroom management
• Deep knowledge of the NY/NJ/CT market is a must
• Must be proficient on technology, PC/Mac softwares
• Flexible to work all hours including evenings and weekends
• Excellent communication skills and time management
• Strong working knowledge of the CNN Newsgathering system, including satellites, package production, and affiliate relationships
• Must be willing to work in the Houston area
• The ideal candidate must be able to learn new technology independently and quickly, and be proficient with the following digital (or similar) tools, including MS Office, WordPress, mobile push notifications, SMS texting, video publishing, AP style, Photoshop and basic HTML knowledge is a plus
• Utilize AP style, best web-production practices and story packaging
• Works with Bureau management to ensure that the Bureau is covering the day's news stories and manages resources to make it happen effectively
• Monitor a variety of sources, including wires and local news, and evaluate newsworthiness
• Assign producer, reporters and crews to cover news stories
• Ensure that stories make deadline/airtime making certain that reporters/producers are aware of and have all available elements
• Monitor Bureau costs and keep NewsDesk information updated with regards to using crews and editors most appropriately
• Work with show staffs and reporters on live shots and coverage of live events
• Pitch stories for various CNN networks and platforms
• Enterprise unique and compelling story ideas on a daily basis
• Must have experience listening to police scanners
• Minimum of two years of journalism experience
• Must have a commitment to journalistic standards of ethics and accuracy
• Minimum of one year of prior work experience on an assignment desk or in a newsroom
• Strong editorial judgement a must
• Familiar with Google applications
• Manage multiple field crews and live assets
• Interact with viewers, public information officers and media relations professionals
• Gather information about news as it develops and communicate it effectively and accurately to the news and production team
• Assign and coordinate the distribution of newsgathering equipment
• Assist with publishing content on FOX43.com and social media
• Represent FOX43 in a courteous manner and professional manner
• Assigning staff and resources for the production of news stories for CTV NEWS programs, CTV News Channel, DNS
• Suggests stories for daily coverage plans for future content working with the international bureaus, freelancers, stringers and collaborators
• Works under the direct supervision of the Executive Producer and the Sr
• Research and write stories for the CNN.com
• Web publishing and social media experience a plus
• Extensive knowledge of editorial standards, ethics, and media law Must have superior organizational skills
• Must be able to make decisions and take a leadership role
• Must have basic writing skills and be able to communicate written and verbally
• Must be able to apply the FOX 5 Filter to any and all stories
• Must be able to maintain a professional demeanor when dealing with people at the station and away from the station Must be able to represent the station in the community and at station events
• Coordinate coverage with managers, field crews, producers and on all digital platforms
• Reviews all news releases, monitors police and fire scanners, and monitors online news sources for story ideas
• Writes breaking news alerts and posts
• Produces original content (text and visual) for digital, mobile and social platforms including Q13FOX.com, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
• Reviews all news releases, monitors police and fire scanners, and monitors online news sources for for story ideas
• Use data to know the market and what types of stories resonates with WFMY News 2’s audiences
• Spearhead coverage of a breaking/developing news story both editorially and logistically
• Closely work with correspondents and producers in gathering story elements for use on all platforms
• Identify principal elements of a story, which includes characters, witnesses, documents, UGC and publically accessible materials
• Build and maintain a network with our affiliates & News Channel counterparts
• Ability to exercise good news judgement that will result in enterprise content for NewsFix
• Prior television assignment desk exposure is a requisite, along with a strong and accurate writing resume
• Knowledge of the Houston metro area is a must
• Hours will include a flexible schedule during weekdays, with the possibility of weekend availability if needed
• Minimum 1 year experience working in a leadership role in a newsroom environment
• Must understand the basic setup of Satellite and TVU technology

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Assignment Editor Job Description Template

The assignment editor is a crucial member of any news organization. This person is responsible for coordinating coverage, assigning stories to reporters and photographers, and ensuring that all deadlines are met. The job requires excellent organizational skills, strong communication skills, and the ability to think on your feet. If you are interested in a career in journalism or media, a career as an assignment editor might be the right fit for you. This job description template can help you learn more about what the role entails and what qualifications are required.

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Assignment Editor to join our dynamic news team. The Assignment Editor will be responsible for assigning news stories to reporters and ensuring that all news content is accurate, engaging, and timely.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with news team to identify stories that need coverage
• Assign stories to reporters based on their strengths and areas of expertise
• Monitor news feeds, police scanners, and social media for breaking news stories
• Create rundowns and assign time cues for live broadcasts
• Coordinate with producers and anchors to ensure accurate reporting and smooth flow of content
• Develop and maintain relationships with sources and contacts within the community
• Manage and update newsroom assignment desk systems and calendars
• Assist in writing stories, headlines, and other news content as needed

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or related field
• At least 3 years of experience working in a newsroom environment
• Strong news judgment and knowledge of current events
• Excellent communication, organizational, and multitasking skills
• Familiarity with newsroom software and systems such as ENPS or iNEWS
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
• Flexibility to work varied shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, as well as opportunities for growth and professional development. If you're a passionate news professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

Introduction

If you’re looking to hire an Assignment Editor, it’s important to create a well thought-out job posting that clearly outlines the role's responsibilities and requirements. This will help to attract the right candidates and make the hiring process much smoother. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to create an effective Assignment Editor job posting.

Job Title and Summary

The job title should clearly indicate the position you’re hiring for. In this case, it's an Assignment Editor. The job summary should provide an overview of the role’s main responsibilities and key objectives.

• Job title: Assignment Editor
• Job summary: We are seeking an experienced Assignment Editor to join our team. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing news assignments and ensuring news stories are accurate and delivered on time.

Responsibilities and Duties

The job responsibilities and duties section should outline the key tasks that the Assignment Editor will be expected to perform in their role.

• Assign news stories to reporters, photographers, and videographers.
• Monitor breaking news stories and dispatch crews to the scene.
• Edit news packages and write headlines.
• Ensure news stories are accurate and meet the editorial standards.
• Collaborate with producers and other editors to develop story ideas.

In this section, you should list the qualifications and skills required for the Assignment Editor position. This could include education, previous experience, and computer skills.

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience as an Assignment Editor.
• Excellent writing and editing skills.
• Strong organizational and planning skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

Additional Information

In this section, you can include any additional relevant information about the role such as working hours, salary range, benefits, and how to apply.

• Working hours: Full-time, flexible schedule.
• Salary range: $XX to $XX per hour/annually.
• Benefits: Health insurance, retirement plan, paid time off.
• To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to [insert email address here].

Creating a clear and detailed Assignment Editor job posting will help you attract the right candidates for the role. Be sure to highlight the key responsibilities, qualifications, and skills required for the position to ensure that you receive applications from the most suitable candidates. By following these guidelines, you'll be well on your way to finding the perfect person for the job.

Frequently Asked Questions on Creating Assignment Editor Job Posting

• What is an Assignment Editor?

An Assignment Editor is responsible for assigning news stories to journalists or reporters and coordinating with them to ensure deadlines are met.

• What are the qualifications for an Assignment Editor?

Typically, an Assignment Editor should have a bachelor's degree in journalism or mass communication. They should also have work experience in a newsroom or a similar environment to possess skills in multi-tasking, decision-making and communication.

• What are the key responsibilities of an Assignment Editor?

An Assignment Editor is responsible for assigning stories to journalists, reviewing and editing their work before publication or broadcast, monitoring news feeds to identify stories, and coordinating with the producers and reporters to meet deadlines.

• What should I include in my job posting for an Assignment Editor?

Your job posting should include the key responsibilities and required qualifications of an Assignment Editor. It should also mention the expected work hours and any additional benefits offered, like vacations, health benefits, or a 401k plan.

• What is the average salary for an Assignment Editor?

The salary for an Assignment Editor varies depending on the location of the job and the experience of the candidate. Typically, the average salary for an Assignment Editor is between $50,000 and $70,000 a year in the United States.

• How long does it take to hire an Assignment Editor?

The hiring process for an Assignment Editor may take between two to four weeks. It involves posting the job description, reviewing resumes, conducting interviews, and performing reference checks before making an offer.

• What are some essential skills of an Assignment Editor?

Essential skills of an Assignment Editor include excellent communication skills, decision-making abilities, multitasking, resourceful, and time management.

• Do I need to provide any training for an Assignment Editor?

It depends on the experience level of the candidate. If they are experienced, you may not need to provide additional training. On the other hand, if the candidate is new to the role, you may need to provide some training to help them understand the position and the company culture.

• How can I attract the right candidates for an Assignment Editor position?

You can attract the right candidates by posting your job description on relevant job boards, mentioning it on your company website, and social media pages. Offer competitive salaries and benefits and show opportunities for growth.

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What does an Assignment Editor do?

An assignment editor is responsible for handling and delegating tasks to news staff, identifying news sources, and developing accurate and efficient news articles for media and publishing companies. Assignment editors monitor situations for the public's awareness, requiring them to work at the office and conduct field investigations alternately. They also manage the scope and limitation of news coverage, finalizing scripts for television airings, and ensuring that all details are factual-based. An assignment editor should be highly communicative and organizational, as well as attentive, having the ability to finish newsworthy stories within strict deadlines.

• Responsibilities
• Skills And Traits
• Comparisions
• Types of Assignment Editor

Assignment editor responsibilities

An assignment editor plays a crucial role in a newsroom. They monitor breaking news, coordinate logistics, and verify information with public officials. They work closely with news directors to plan for strategic coverage and maintain relationships with organizations and businesses. They also manage social media sites and communicate with outside entities. Their responsibilities include coordinating reporters and camera crews, posting video content, and researching news tips. They demonstrate self-motivation by interviewing special guests, writing articles, and streamlining event coverage.

Here are examples of responsibilities from real assignment editor resumes:

• Manage all audio/video material logging, digitizing, and archiving.
• Manage incoming and outgoing video footage from CBS, ABC, NBC, CNN, and affiliate stations.
• Manage the Facebook/Twitter social media pages for the station and interact with viewers for the purposes of research and community morale.
• Manage and create newsletter archives for NASA: http: //www.nasa.gov/centers/langley/home/index.html
• Experience includes inbound and outbound news gathering via phone, monitoring scanners, sending and receiving video through feeds and FTP.
• Assign the ENG and search for new histories and planning.
• Shoot and edit on XDCAM format to complete PKGs, VOSOTS, VOs and Nat PKGs on a daily basis.
• Operate studio/field HD cameras for GAC productions.
• Distribute content via ftp sites and web-base file sharing servers.
• Edit newscasts in studio and stories remotely using Edius editing system
• Supervise a staff of six reporters on the metro desk.
• Receive an Emmy nomination in 2011 for a 3-part news series.
• Collect various video clips from national ABC, CNN and regional news feeds.
• Edit stories, write headlines and proofread copy for website and print editions.
• Complete any and all photography work orders in preparation for deployments or promotions.

Assignment editor skills and personality traits

We calculated that 12 % of Assignment Editors are proficient in Twitter , Assignment Desk , and Phone Calls . They’re also known for soft skills such as Detail oriented , Good judgment , and Writing skills .

We break down the percentage of Assignment Editors that have these skills listed on their resume here:

Monitored/updated social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter.

Managed busy evening assignment desk.

Fielded phone calls and made a variety of contacts in law enforcement, emergency management, various organizations and businesses.

Contacted news management in the event of significant breaking news that requires additional resources or would require interrupting regular programming.

Created complete rundown of local newsworthy events and story ideas on a daily basis, as well as research enterprise stories.

Communicated and corresponded with many outside entities, including government agencies and representatives, community organizations, private businesses and citizens.

"twitter," "assignment desk," and "phone calls" are among the most common skills that assignment editors use at work. You can find even more assignment editor responsibilities below, including:

Detail oriented. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for an assignment editor to have is detail oriented. Their role and responsibilities require that "editors must be meticulous to ensure that material is error free and matches the style of a publication." Assignment editors often use detail oriented in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "compiled story ideas and arranged details for daily news coverage in addition to long-term projects. "

Good judgment. Another essential skill to perform assignment editor duties is good judgment. Assignment editors responsibilities require that "editors decide whether certain stories are ethical and whether there is enough evidence to publish them." Assignment editors also use good judgment in their role according to a real resume snippet: "applied editorial judgment for breaking news coverage, including mobilization of international crews. "

Writing skills. This is an important skill for assignment editors to perform their duties. For an example of how assignment editor responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "editors ensure that all written content has correct grammar, punctuation, and syntax." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of an assignment editor: "assisted tv reporters with writing of their news stories. ".

Interpersonal skills. A big part of what assignment editors do relies on "interpersonal skills." You can see how essential it is to assignment editor responsibilities because "in working with writers, editors must have tact and the ability to guide and encourage them in their work." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical assignment editor tasks: "coordinated interpersonal relations between editorial staff, artists, writers and judges. "

Creativity. A commonly-found skill in assignment editor job descriptions, "creativity" is essential to what assignment editors do. Assignment editor responsibilities rely on this skill because "editors must be imaginative, curious, and knowledgeable in a broad range of topics." You can also see how assignment editor duties rely on creativity in this resume example : "provide creative editing and input into news stories. "

Most common assignment editor skills

The three companies that hire the most assignment editors are:

• Sinclair Broadcast Group 21 assignment editors jobs
• Nexstar Media Group 16 assignment editors jobs
• Paramount 10 assignment editors jobs

Choose from 10+ customizable assignment editor resume templates

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Assignment editor vs. journalist.

A journalist is responsible for creating written correspondence, covering various subjects as the management requires. This task involves a lot of research investigations, conducting interviews, and gathering reliable sources to verify the authenticity of data before releasing the articles on news portals and other social platforms. Journalists should have excellent communication skills , both written and oral, conveying information to the target audience with high accuracy and efficiency. They analyze opinions and testimonies, create eye-catching headlines, and ensure adherence to deadlines.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of an assignment editor are more likely to require skills like "assignment desk," "phone calls," "news management," and "government agencies." On the other hand, a job as a journalist requires skills like "excellent interpersonal," "multimedia," "local community," and "mobile phones." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.

Assignment editor vs. Reporter

In journalism, a reporter is responsible for relaying truthful and reliable information to the public audience through various mediums such as print and media. A reporter must ensure to gather necessary and factual data that are supported by interviews and comments of those involved, remain unbiased in all aspects, produce a concise and comprehensive informational material within an allotted time, and efficiently coordinate with every staff. Furthermore, a reporter must remain professional at all times and adhere to the policies and regulations set by the company or network.

While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that assignment editor responsibilities requires skills like "assignment desk," "phone calls," "news management," and "government agencies." But a reporter might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "digital marketing," "facebook," "photography," and "instagram."

Assignment editor vs. Writer

A writer can have different responsibilities depending on which industry or line of work they are involved. There are writers assigned in a corporate setting, some in journalism, while there are also writers in the entertainment Industry. Although they focus on varying types of writing, they all function to inform. Among the typical duties of writers involve producing content within allotted time or deadline, gather information and verify to ensure accuracy, proofread, and undergo review and revisions.

There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, an assignment editor is likely to be skilled in "assignment desk," "phone calls," "news management," and "local news," while a typical writer is skilled in "work ethic," "strong work ethic," "basic math," and "customer service."

Assignment editor vs. News reporter

News Reporters collect and analyze facts about newsworthy events through interview, investigation, or observation. They carry cameras and take photos and video footage of objects or places of potential significance.

Types of assignment editor

Technical writer, staff writer.

• Managing Editor

Updated March 14, 2024

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

What Similar Roles Do

• What an Assistant Editor Does
• What an Associate Editor Does
• What a Content Editor Does
• What a Content Writer Does
• What a Copy Editor Does
• What an Editor Does
• What an Editorial Internship Does
• What a Journalist Does
• What a Managing Editor Does
• What a News Editor Does
• What a News Reporter Does
• What a Photo Editor Does
• What a Reporter Does
• What a Senior Editor Does
• What a Staff Writer Does

Assignment Editor Related Careers

• Assistant Editor
• Associate Editor
• Content Editor
• Content Writer
• Copy Editor
• Editorial Internship
• News Editor
• News Reporter
• Photo Editor
• Senior Editor
• Sports Editor

Assignment Editor Related Jobs

Resume for related jobs.

• Assistant Editor Resume
• Associate Editor Resume
• Content Editor Resume
• Content Writer Resume
• Copy Editor Resume
• Editor Resume
• Editorial Internship Resume
• Journalist Resume
• Managing Editor Resume
• News Editor Resume
• News Reporter Resume
• Photo Editor Resume
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• Senior Editor Resume
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• Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Industry
• Assignment Editor
• What Does An Assignment Editor Do

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• Cambridge Dictionary +Plus

Meaning of assignment in English

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• It was a jammy assignment - more of a holiday really.
• He took this award-winning photograph while on assignment in the Middle East .
• His two-year assignment to the Mexico office starts in September .
• She first visited Norway on assignment for the winter Olympics ten years ago.
• He fell in love with the area after being there on assignment for National Geographic in the 1950s.
• act as something
• all work and no play (makes Jack a dull boy) idiom
• be at work idiom
• be in work idiom
• housekeeping
• in the line of duty idiom
• undertaking

You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:

assignment | American Dictionary

Assignment | business english, examples of assignment, collocations with assignment.

These are words often used in combination with assignment .

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Translations of assignment

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Word of the Day

peanut butter (= a soft food made from crushed peanuts) and jam (= a soft sweet food made from fruit and sugar), or a sandwich with these inside. PB&J is short for peanut butter and jelly.

Sitting on the fence (Newspaper idioms)

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COVID-19: From an assigned seat strategy to bookable desks

How can the transition from assigned seating to bookable desks help back-to-the-office plans?

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, assigned seating was a common practice for many offices of all sizes and industries. What is assigned seating? Assigned seating is where an employee is assigned to a specific seat or desk within an office.

Whether this meant employees were clustered together in cubicles by department or had their pick of a desk in an open floor plan setup, assigned seating was a popular way to construct office seating.

Now, as things have shifted due to COVID-19, offices are being reconfigured to accommodate new health and safety precautions and the new hybrid workforce model. 

WHAT’S THE BEST STRATEGY FOR YOU TO RE-OPEN YOUR OFFICE

In this post, we’re looking at how facility managers (FMs) can transition the office over to a bookable desk system.

What are bookable desks?

Because of new workplace distancing guidelines, offices have a new minimum viable occupancy rate, meaning they can no longer operate at 100% capacity due to health code restrictions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends minimizing the number of people you come in contact with at the office, so reducing the number of employees present at a time is essential. 

This may seem as simple as cutting the number of employees in the office in half, but there’s a lot more to consider. Facility managers need to make sure in-office employees are appropriately spaced and can safely do their jobs. This likely will require a seating reconfiguration of some kind. Facility managers need to keep track of seating updates, so they can help employees adjust in the safest way possible.

Also, the cleaning team is another component to consider. Knowing which desks were used is vital information to relay to the cleaning team. This way, they can make sure the office is sanitized and cleaned at all times.

But how can facility managers make this possible from a logistical standpoint?

A bookable desk system is an excellent alternative method for office seating. Rather than employees having an assigned desk, they can book one through an interface either on their mobile phone, tablet, or computer. Employees can see which desks are available and reserve it, so they know where they’ll be sitting while in the office.

A bookable desk system can:

• Give employees peace of mind knowing where they’ll be sitting in the office
• Help the FM team understand occupancy at any given time
• Generate reports for the cleaning team
• Allow any employee to instantly see the floor plan
• Provide FMs with the tools to make sure employees are appropriately spaced 
• Help FMs to understand capacity changes and make adjustments as needed

As mentioned, bookable desk systems can be facilitated through a tool like a distancing planner . Tools like these make it easy for employees to access the floorplan in real time and reserve a desk.

How can facility managers adopt a bookable desk system?

With all the workplace changes, deploying a new seating system could cause some uncertainty among employees.

Let’s explore how facility managers can seamlessly roll out a bookable desk strategy.

Define your strategy

Before you can implement a bookable desk strategy , it’s essential to plan out each rollout aspect. 

A few questions to consider when planning are:

• How often can employees book desks? 
• Do desk reservations have time limits? 
• Do employees have their reserved desk for the day or the week?
• How will employees access this dashboard?

Keep in mind that you might have to set some limits on booking, depending on your office. For example, what is the cut off time for an employee to book a desk? These boundaries are important because they will help with the logistics of planning. 

Another option to consider is to put managers in charge of booking desks for employees. That way, there isn’t confusion around if a desk is booked or if it’s still available. Plus, it might be easier for managers to oversee the desks of their department. Whether managers choose a desk for employees or an employee requests a desk that requires manager approval, keeping this process somewhat contained by department can mitigate any communication or logistical problems. 

Some distancing planner tools allow you to make desks bookable from within the platform itself. Managers can make desks available either one at a time or in bulk to change assigned seats into bookable groups.

Build your technology stack

Making this transition as easy as possible for employees is crucial for a successful rollout. Providing employees and managers with the technology to make booking desks simple is the key. 

Opting for technology that offers the ability to book on mobile or desktop, as well as through other tools your company already uses, like Slack, can streamline this adjustment. What’s more, enabling employees or managers to book a desk remotely on their own device eliminates the need to touch another screen. With the right desk booking solution, employees can see where desks are, which ones are available, and more. 

Not only does a desk booking solution offer flexibility for employees and managers, but it helps facility managers understand who is in the office at any given time. A tool like OfficeSpace’s Distancing Planner provides facility managers with insights on contact tracing and accountability, so preventing the spread of COVID-19 in the office is easier. 

A tool like OfficeSpace’s distancing planner makes it easy to implement a bookable desk system with features like:

• Using AI to create a seating plan that is compliant with health regulations
• Determining the physical distancing radius around desks 
• Tracking seating capacity in real-time
• Easily converting safe desks into bookable ones, and removing those that are not safe

Clearly communicate the strategy

Using technology that makes desk booking uncomplicated and quick helps employees adopt the process faster. But announcing that the company will begin using a bookable desk system might be confusing at first. 

Instead, as part of your rollout, create a communication plan that includes information like:

• Why the company is adopting this new strategy
• Instructions on how to use this tool
• When employees can expect to see this change

Be sure to include this information in a shared drive or folder for employees to refer back to when needed. You could host a meeting over Zoom not only to walk employees through the software but to provide them with the chance to ask questions. Another option is to teach managers how to use the bookable desk system and have them teach their team in smaller groups.

Simplify the transition for employees

The world is changing in response to COVID-19, which has been an overwhelming event for many employees. People are more mindful that they have to follow specific protocols to keep themselves and others safe, and the same needs to be done in the workplace. Plus, as employees begin to come back into the office, the right systems must be in place to avoid any accidental health violations. 

Provide employees with ample opportunities to ask questions and learn the new system. Listen to their feedback and make changes based on that. The right solution will integrate with existing software and be easy to learn, but it may be something that requires a few optimizations before it works perfectly for your company.

Simplify your office seating with bookable desks

The workplace will continue to evolve in response to the changes COVID-19 brings. Bookable desks can simplify employee seating and ensure everyone is safe and appropriately spaced apart. A tool like OfficeSpace’s distancing planner will streamline this process for both employees and facility managers while providing peace of mind and valuable occupancy insights.

How is your company handling seating? We’d love to hear from you— send us a tweet or leave a comment below.

Photos: Domenico Loia, Christina, wocintechchat, OSS, Laura Davidson, 

Synonyms of assignment

• as in lesson
• as in appointment
• More from M-W
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Thesaurus Definition of assignment

Synonyms & Similar Words

• responsibility
• undertaking
• requirement
• designation
• appointment
• authorization
• installment
• installation
• destination
• emplacement
• investiture
• singling (out)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• dethronement

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun assignment contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of assignment are chore , duty , job , stint , and task . While all these words mean "a piece of work to be done," assignment implies a definite limited task assigned by one in authority.

When is it sensible to use chore instead of assignment ?

While the synonyms chore and assignment are close in meaning, chore implies a minor routine activity necessary for maintaining a household or farm.

When is duty a more appropriate choice than assignment ?

Although the words duty and assignment have much in common, duty implies an obligation to perform or responsibility for performance.

When might job be a better fit than assignment ?

The synonyms job and assignment are sometimes interchangeable, but job applies to a piece of work voluntarily performed; it may sometimes suggest difficulty or importance.

When could stint be used to replace assignment ?

In some situations, the words stint and assignment are roughly equivalent. However, stint implies a carefully allotted or measured quantity of assigned work or service.

When can task be used instead of assignment ?

The meanings of task and assignment largely overlap; however, task implies work imposed by a person in authority or an employer or by circumstance.

Thesaurus Entries Near assignment

assignments

Cite this Entry

“Assignment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assignment. Accessed 1 Apr. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on assignment

Nglish: Translation of assignment for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of assignment for Arabic Speakers

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