Assignment Desk Editor

KHOU-TV in Houston is looking for an Assignment Desk Editor with experience in a medium/large market with solid news judgment; a hunger for breaking news; great people skills and the will to win in an extremely busy top 10 TV market. We are looking for an assignment editor who’s willing to step up, take action without waiting to be told, and is able to communicate you’ve taken on the task.

Responsibilities:  

• Knows how to quickly track down and confirm information that will be used on air, online and across KHOU social platforms.


• Has strong news judgement.


• Knows how to monitor and find stories on social media platforms.


• Can listen to and quickly respond to audio on police/fire/EMS scanners.


• Can multi-task on a number of different stories and breaking news in a speedy and professional manner.


• Flexible work hours, understand that work may be necessary on weekends/holidays.

Requirements:  

• BA/BS degree preferred


• Highly organized and able to thrive on deadline


• Excellent communication skills


• Must be deadline-oriented, maintaining quality while staying on tight schedules


• Expect to work early mornings, nights or weekends


• Gather and share story updates, tips and information internally


• Review and respond efficiently to news tips, emails, user-generated content and social media messages to identify unique, local and engaging content


• Do all necessary reporting efforts to turn information into CONFIRMED content, such as make calls, get pictures or video to support a story, research and confirm information, etc. 


• Be a leader in editorial meetings and conversations, regularly pitch stories


• Work across all parts of the newsroom – collaborate with digital managers, newsroom leaders, producers, reporters, photographers and editors to coordinate the accurate development and distribution of content across all editorial platforms


• Experience navigating databases like Nexis, Public Data, Pacer, court systems, etc.


• Experience with filing FOI requests


• Knowledge of greater Houston geography is preferred