ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Assignment Desk Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

FOX News Network, LLC

Live Desk Editor

Oakland, CA · On-site

$43 - $47/hr

This is a high-impact role designed for a news hound who wants to move beyond the legacy model of an assignment desk that simply gathers facts and dispatches crews. You will serve as the central ...

Fox

Live Desk Editor

Oakland, CA · On-site

$43 - $47/hr

This is a high-impact role designed for a news hound who wants to move beyond the legacy model of an assignment desk that simply gathers facts and dispatches crews. You will serve as the central ...

KTVU Fox 2

Live Desk Editor

Oakland, CA

$43 - $47/hr

This is a high-impact role designed for a news hound who wants to move beyond the legacy model of an assignment desk that simply gathers facts and dispatches crews. You will serve as the central ...

NBCUniversal

KNBC4 & KVEA52 are looking for an Assignment Desk Editor. The ideal candidate will be responsible for working in a duopoly environment, coordinating the teams around news stories, as well as reporter ...

NBCUniversal

KNBC4 & KVEA52 are looking for an Assignment Desk Editor. The ideal candidate will be responsible for working in a duopoly environment, coordinating the teams around news stories, as well as reporter ...

Hearst

Intern

Sacramento, CA

$20/hr

Assignment Desk * Assist team members in gathering news and information. This includes taking and placing telephone calls from reporters, sources, governments agencies and general public * May also ...

Hearst

Intern (Fall)

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Assignment Desk * Assist team members in gathering news and information. This includes taking and placing telephone calls from reporters, sources, governments agencies and general public * May also ...

Hearst Newspapers

Intern (Fall)

Sacramento, CA

$20/hr

Assignment Desk * Assist team members in gathering news and information. This includes taking and placing telephone calls from reporters, sources, governments agencies and general public * May also ...

Hearst Newspapers

Intern (Fall)

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Assignment Desk * Assist team members in gathering news and information. This includes taking and placing telephone calls from reporters, sources, governments agencies and general public * May also ...

Hearst

Intern (Fall)

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Assignment Desk * Assist team members in gathering news and information. This includes taking and placing telephone calls from reporters, sources, governments agencies and general public * May also ...

Hearst

Intern (Fall)

Sacramento, CA

$20/hr

Assignment Desk * Assist team members in gathering news and information. This includes taking and placing telephone calls from reporters, sources, governments agencies and general public * May also ...

Hearst Television

Intern (Fall)

Sacramento, CA

$20/hr

Assignment Desk * Assist team members in gathering news and information. This includes taking and placing telephone calls from reporters, sources, governments agencies and general public * May also ...

Hearst

Intern (Fall)

Sacramento, CA

$20/hr

Assignment Desk * Assist team members in gathering news and information. This includes taking and placing telephone calls from reporters, sources, governments agencies and general public * May also ...

Hearst Television

Intern (Fall)

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Assignment Desk * Assist team members in gathering news and information. This includes taking and placing telephone calls from reporters, sources, governments agencies and general public * May also ...

Hearst Newspapers

Intern (Fall)

Sacramento, CA

$20/hr

Assignment Desk * Assist team members in gathering news and information. This includes taking and placing telephone calls from reporters, sources, governments agencies and general public * May also ...

Hearst Newspapers

Intern (Fall)

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Assignment Desk * Assist team members in gathering news and information. This includes taking and placing telephone calls from reporters, sources, governments agencies and general public * May also ...

Hearst

Intern (Fall)

Sacramento, CA

$20/hr

Assignment Desk * Assist team members in gathering news and information. This includes taking and placing telephone calls from reporters, sources, governments agencies and general public * May also ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAssignment Desk JobsAssignment Desk Jobs in California

Assignment Desk information

How does an Assignment Desk professional typically collaborate with reporters and photographers during breaking news coverage?

Assignment Desk professionals play a crucial role in coordinating breaking news coverage by maintaining constant communication with reporters and photographers in the field. They assign stories, relay updates, and manage logistics such as location changes or access issues. By serving as the central point of contact, they ensure that field teams have the information and resources needed to cover developing events efficiently and accurately. This collaborative process often involves quick decision-making and multitasking in a fast-paced newsroom environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assignment Desk professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assignment Desk professional, you need strong news judgment, organizational skills, and a background in journalism or communications. Familiarity with newsroom management systems, wire services, and social media monitoring tools is typically required. Excellent communication, multitasking, and problem-solving abilities help manage breaking news and coordinate coverage effectively. These skills ensure timely, accurate assignment of news stories and efficient newsroom operations under pressure.

What is the difference between Assignment Desk vs News Producer?

AspectAssignment DeskNews Producer
Primary RoleCoordinates and assigns news stories, manages reporters and field crewsCreates, plans, and oversees news content, including story selection and production
CredentialsJournalism degree or related experience, strong organizational skillsJournalism or communications degree, editorial experience
Work EnvironmentNewsroom, often under tight deadlinesNewsroom, editorial meetings, and production settings
Industry UsageCommonly used in broadcast and print mediaPrimarily in broadcast and digital media outlets

While both roles are vital in news organizations, the Assignment Desk focuses on coordinating news coverage and assigning stories, whereas the News Producer is responsible for creating and overseeing the overall news content and broadcast flow.

What does an Assignment Desk do in a newsroom?

An Assignment Desk is a central hub in a newsroom responsible for coordinating news coverage. Desk staff monitor breaking news, assign reporters and photographers to stories, manage incoming tips, and act as a communication point between field crews and newsroom management. They play a crucial role in ensuring that stories are covered efficiently and that resources are allocated appropriately throughout the day. The Assignment Desk is vital for keeping news operations organized and responsive to evolving events.
What are popular job titles related to Assignment Desk jobs in California? For Assignment Desk jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Assignment Desk jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Assignment Desk jobs in California are:
Assignment Desk jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assignment Desk job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 60% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 28% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution.
Live Desk Editor

Live Desk Editor

FOX News Network, LLC

Oakland, CA • On-site

$43 - $47/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Fox News rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

40th of 75 rated media

Job description

OVERVIEW OF THE COMPANY
Fox TV Stations
FOX Television Stations owns and operates 29 full power broadcast television stations in the U.S. These include stations located in 14 of the top 15 largest designated market areas, or DMAs, and duopolies in 11 DMAs, including the three largest DMAs (New York, Los Angeles and Chicago). Of these stations, 18 are affiliated with the FOX Network. In addition to distributing sports, entertainment and syndicated content, our television stations collectively produce approximately 1,200 hours of local news every week. These stations leverage viewer, distributor and advertiser demand for the FOX Network's national content.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Overview of the Role
KTVU FOX 2 is redefining the traditional newsroom. Our mission is simple: To break the rules of legacy television by building a live-first newsroom where the story dictates the clock and the audience drives the conversation. We are seeking a powerhouse Live Desk Editor to pioneer the future of local newsgathering in the San Francisco Bay Area. This is a high-impact role designed for a news hound who wants to move beyond the legacy model of an assignment desk that simply gathers facts and dispatches crews. You will serve as the central nervous system of live news coverage and an integral editorial driver for our 24/7 streaming platforms and linear broadcasts.
If you know how to spot breaking news instantly, prioritize what is "live and local right now," and leverage the power of our national affiliate network to feed an always-on streaming audience, this role is for you.
Key Responsibilities
Live Desk & Newsgathering Leadership
  • Real-Time Monitoring: Aggressively monitor scanners, wires, social media, and viewer tips to identify and vet breaking Bay Area news.
  • Affiliate Network Leverage: Actively source and clear high-priority live feeds and newsworthy content from FOX affiliates and news service partners to enrich local segments on all platforms.
  • Asset Coordination: Collaborate with field crews, photographers, and reporters to deploy resources efficiently and safely under tight deadlines.
  • Audience Integration & UGC: Field real-time viewer tips, clear user-generated content (UGC), and leverage digital community platforms (like WhatsApp/social comments) to bring the audience's voice directly into our live coverage.

Streaming Strategy & Editorial Driving
  • Producer Partnership: Work directly with streaming teams at KTVU and at our affiliates to map out and guide planning for daily streaming time blocks, ensuring high-audience engagement.
  • Guest Booking: Proactively pitch, research, and book compelling newsmakers, expert guests, and witnesses for live interviews relevant to news of the day.
  • Visual Storytelling: Identify and leverage dynamic editorial elements-including live pictures, helicopter, social feeds, and affiliate sources-to elevate live segments.

Technical Ingest & Air Integration
  • Breaking News Push: Make split-second decisions to push breaking news and high-interest live events directly to streaming teams under tight deadlines.
  • Data Optimization: Leverage data and analytics to prioritize high-interest events and topics across CTV, YouTube, and digital platforms throughout various news cycles.

What You Will Need
  • Experience: 3-5 years of experience in a fast-paced television newsroom, digital news platform, or assignment desk environment.
  • Bay Area Expertise: Deep familiarity with the geography, political climates, and diverse communities of the San Francisco Bay Area.
  • Technical Literacy: Proficient grasp of newsroom computer systems (e.g., iNews), streaming video workflows, and field tech (LiveU/TVU, digital capture).
  • Exceptional Judgment: Strong journalistic ethics and the ability to make instant, accurate decisions on which "live" event takes priority for our audience.
  • Calm Under Pressure: The ability to multitask-switching from traditional desk dispatching to guest booking and technical video ingest-without sacrificing accuracy or composure.
  • Flexibility: Willingness to work early mornings, late nights, weekends, and holidays to cover major breaking news events.
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, or a related field preferred (or equivalent real-world newsroom experience).

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable law.
Pursuant to state and local pay disclosure requirements, the pay rate/range for this role, with final offer amount dependent on education, skills, experience, and location is $43.00-47.00 per hour. This role is also eligible for various benefits, including medical/dental/vision, insurance, a 401(k) plan, paid time off, and other benefits in accordance with applicable plan documents. Benefits for Union represented employees will be in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement.
View more detail about FOX Benefits.

What Fox News employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply