Assignment Editor – News Desk

Assignment – News Desk

Summary

The Assignment Editor is responsible for planning, assigning, and coordinating news coverage on a daily basis. The role acts as a central link between reporters, photographers/videographers, editors, and the newsroom leadership to ensure timely, accurate, and impactful news coverage across platforms.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and assign daily news stories to reporters, correspondents, and field teams
• Track breaking news, developing stories, and special events
• Coordinate with reporters for ground updates, inputs, and follow-ups
• Monitor news wires, social media, official sources, and press releases
• Ensure balanced coverage across beats such as politics, crime, civic, business, entertainment, and sports
• Liaise with photo/video teams for visual coverage requirements
• Ensure stories meet editorial standards, accuracy, and deadlines
• Update senior editors on story status and major developments
• Maintain assignment logs, coverage plans, and daily news schedules
• Support digital and print desks with timely inputs and updates

Skills & Competencies

• Strong news sense and editorial judgment
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and high-pressure situations
• Knowledge of current affairs, regional and national issues
• Familiarity with newsroom workflows and content management systems
• Multitasking and decision-making ability
• Language proficiency (English/Tamil/other regional language as required)

Educational Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Mass Communication, or related field
• Relevant newsroom experience may be considered in lieu of formal education

Experience

• Junior Level: 0–2 years in news desk/assignment/news coordination
• Senior Level: 3–6+ years in assignment desk or editorial operations

Work Environment

• Rotational shifts, including early mornings, nights, weekends, and holidays
• Fast-paced newsroom environment

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In person