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Assignment Desk Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Intern (Fall)

Sacramento, CA ยท 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 ...

Intern (Fall)

Sacramento, CA ยท 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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Intern (Fall)

Sacramento, CA ยท 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 ...

Intern (Fall)

Sacramento, CA ยท 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 ...

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 ...

News Desk Supervisor

West Sacramento, CA ยท On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

As the leader of the assignment desk, you will build the desk team, provide feedback, and coach the staff. Long-term planning and strong organization skills are paramount for this role. BASIC ...

News Desk Supervisor

West Sacramento, CA ยท On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

As the leader of the assignment desk, you will build the desk team, provide feedback, and coach the staff. Long-term planning and strong organization skills are paramount for this role. BASIC ...

Enterprise reporting is embedded in the culture here, so those who need handouts from the assignment desk need not apply. We're seeking those who are self-starters, team players, highly motivated ...

Ability to collaborate effectively with newsroom managers, anchors, reporters, assignment desk editors, and production staff * Ability to line produce newscasts as needed and edit video * College ...

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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:
Infographic showing various Assignment Desk job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 51% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 37% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Assignment Editor, NBC & Telemundo Los Angeles

NBCUniversal

Los Angeles, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Company Description

NBCUniversal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies. We create world-class content, which we distribute across our portfolio of film, television, and streaming, and bring to life through our global theme park destinations, consumer products, and experiences. We own and operate leading entertainment and news brands, including NBC, NBC News, NBC Sports, Telemundo, NBC Local Stations, Bravo, and Peacock, our premium ad-supported streaming service. We produce and distribute premier filmed entertainment and programming through our powerhouse film and television studios, including Universal Pictures, DreamWorks Animation, and Focus Features, and the four global television studios under the Universal Studio Group banner, and operate industry-leading theme parks and experiences around the world through Universal Destinations & Experiences, including Universal Orlando Resort, home to Universal Epic Universe, and Universal Studios Hollywood. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation. Visit www.nbcuniversal.com for more information.

Our impact is rooted in improving the communities where our employees, customers, and audiences live and work. We have a rich tradition of giving back and ensuring our employees have the opportunity to serve their communities. We champion an inclusive culture and strive to attract and develop a talented workforce to create and deliver a wide range of content reflecting our world.

Job Description

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 and field crew resources. Providing status of coverage to management will be critical, as well as establishing a network of contacts and sources across the Los Angeles DMA.

Responsibilities

  • Break stories, work contacts and react quickly and aggressively to breaking news. Gather information for newscasts, set up stories in advance and assist newscast producer in all aspects of the show.
  • Monitor police and emergency scanners and electronic/printed sources for news.
  • Enterprise story ideas and work with reporters and producers to develop stories. Conceive and execute news coverage and make front line editorial decisions on a story-by-story basis. Develop story ideas and clearly articulate them.
  • Participate in daily planning meetings. Coordinate with other departments to complete stories and projects. Create and coordinate short-range planning to meet department editorial goals.
  • Facilitate the news gathering process and ensure comprehensive coverage of all news stories. Dispatch crews and information in a timely and organized manner. Coordinate reporters, photographers, and other personnel to cover stories.
  • Set up and coordinate live remotes inside and outside the building. Multi-task and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines.
  • Monitor journalistic and editorial elements of newsgathering in the field. Communicate with production staff on the status of coverage and stories. Coordinate reporters, field crews, and assignment desk staff. -Communicate with production staff and management on the status of coverage and stories. Coordinate with other Assignment Editors and the Managing Editor for carry-over of stories from day to day.
  • Monitor blogs, social media, and local papers for potential stories. Compile a list of possible stories to be followed up on by news staff.
  • Develop and cultivate contacts within the community for news stories. Establish network of contacts and sources across the Los Angeles area. Cooperate with and support NBC News, Newschannel and other NBC Owned stations.
  • Coordinate with the stationโ€™s digital team to fulfill their real-time needs for information and video feeds in full parity with the linear newsroom
  • Assists with any pending visual elements for reporters alongside others newsroom personnel
Qualifications
  • Bachelorโ€™s degree in Journalism or Communications.
  • At least 4 yearsโ€™ experience including: work in a broadcast news environment, coordinating assignments, generating story ideas.
  • Two yearsโ€™ experience as an Assignment Editor.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Programs including Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Interested candidate must submit a resume/CV through www.nbcunicareers.com to be considered
  • Must be able to work flexible hours including weekends, holidays and overnights.
  • Must have the ability to work any of a 24 x 7 shift
  • Must be willing to work in Los Angeles.
  • Must have unrestricted work authorization to work in the United States.

Desired Qualifications

  • Strong interpersonal skills. Team player.
  • Bilingual โ€“ Spanish/English
  • Has the ability to seek simple solutions to complex problems.
  • Candidate must be a self-starter, with good telephone skills, excellent organizational skills, strong news judgment and good instincts. Ability to solve problems, prioritize decisions and act decisively under stress and tight deadlines.
  • Thorough knowledge of the logistics aspect of deploying personnel and equipment for the purpose of electronic newsgathering.

Additional Requirements:

Required On-Site: This position is required to be performed full-time from an NBCUniversal-designated worksite.

This position is eligible for company sponsored benefits, including medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k), paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and a variety of other discounts and perks. Learn more about the benefits offered by NBCUniversal by visiting theย Benefits pageย of the Careers website.
Salary Range:

$65,000 to $85,000.


Additional Information

As part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview with an NBCUniversal employee at one of our locations prior to a hiring decision. NBCUniversal's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

NBCUniversal will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories, or arrest or conviction records, in a manner consistent with relevant legal requirements, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative For Hiring Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, and the California Fair Chance Act, where applicable.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require support throughout the application and/or recruitment process as a result of your disability, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. You can submit your request to AccessibilitySupport@nbcuni.com.