Assignment Editor Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

About Gray Media:

Today, we are a growing multimedia company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. We are the nation's largest owner of top-rated local television stations and digital assets serving 117 full-power television markets that collectively reach approximately 37% of US television households. The portfolio includes 80 markets with the top-rated television station and 100 markets with the first and/or second highest-rated television station in average all-day ratings across 116 of such markets that were measured by Nielsen in 2025. We also own the largest Telemundo Affiliate group with 46 markets and Gray Digital Media, a full-service digital agency offering national and local clients digital marketing strategies with the most advanced digital products and services. Our additional media properties include video production companies Raycom Sports, Tupelo Media Group, and PowerNation Studios, and studio production facilities Assembly Atlanta and Third Rail Studios.

About KPHO/KTVK:

Home to 3TV, CBS 5, and Arizona’s Family Sports, Arizona’s Family produces 100+ hours of local news and programming every week. 3TV is #1 in Arizona and one of the strongest independent stations in the country. Our CBS station is highly competitive in news and has top-rated sports and prime content. Our digital reach is also best-in-market—Azfamily.com leads the market in multi-platform unique users and is home to Arizona’s Family Originals (long-form programs, documentaries, docuseries, and podcasts, including True Crime Arizona, nearing 2M downloads). Arizona’s Family Sports features premier properties, including the Arizona Cardinals, Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury, Phoenix Rising, and AIA state championships.

Job Summary/Description:  

We are seeking a decisive, high-energy, and exceptionally organized Assignment News Editor to help lead evening news-gathering operations. The ideal candidate is a galvanizing leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, possesses impeccable news judgment, and maintains a calm, collected demeanor under the intense pressure of breaking news. As the central nervous system of our newsroom, you will coordinate our field crews, monitor breaking developments, and collaborate across digital and broadcast platforms to ensure our coverage is fast, accurate, and impactful.

Duties/Key Responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

Editorial Leadership & News Judgment:
* Drive the Daily Agenda: Actively monitor scanner traffic, social media, wire services, public records, and viewer tips to identify compelling, original local stories.
* Daily Pitching & Collaboration: Attend daily editorial meetings and pitch story ideas for potential coverage.
* Decisive Prioritization: Exercise sharp, ethical news judgment to determine which stories merit coverage, dispatching crews efficiently to maximize impact.
* Galvanize the Team: Serve as an inspiring and motivating force in the newsroom, encouraging collaboration, high energy, and dedication to our community-first mission.

Operations & Breaking News Management:
* Strategic Logistics: Coordinate daily assignments, scheduling, and logistics for reporters, photographers, and multi-skilled journalists (MSJs).
* The Calm in the Storm: Maintain absolute composure and clear-headed decision-making during breaking news, guiding field crews safely and directing information flow with precision.
* Ability to Pivot: Adapt instantly as news conditions change, seamlessly shifting resources and re-prioritizing stories without losing organizational focus.
* Deadline Performance (A MUST): Demonstrate the ability to meet short deadlines, prioritize assignments, and handle multiple tasks simultaneously with a positive, can-do attitude.

Clear & Collaborative Communication:
* Cross-Platform Integration: Partner closely with Executive Producers, Digital/Streaming Leaders, and the Digital Team to ensure content is optimized for broadcast, web, and streaming platforms.
* Outside Relationship Building: Proactively build and maintain strong professional relationships with outside sources, including public information officers (PIOs), subject experts, and community leaders.
* Concise Dispatching: Deliver clear, brief, and actionable instructions to crews in the field and anchors in the studio.

Qualifications/Requirements:

Hard & Soft Skills:
* Experience: 2+ years of experience in a commercial newsroom (assignment desk, producing, or digital reporting preferred).
* Sharp News Judgment: Deep understanding of defamation laws, journalistic ethics, AP Style, and what makes a story impactful for local audiences.
* High-Volume Multitasking: Able to track multiple moving parts, crews, and short-term deadlines simultaneously under pressure.
* Calm & Collected: Possesses a naturally steady, reassuring presence that stabilizes the newsroom during high-stress breaking news cycles.
* Galvanizing Leadership Style: Known for rallying teams around a shared vision, mentoring emerging talent, and building a positive, collaborative newsroom culture.
* Exceptional Agility: High tolerance for ambiguity and a proven ability to pivot strategies in seconds when the situation demands.