Contract Academic Copy Editor Jobs in California

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world's population sees AP journalism every day.    

Why this role matters:  

The Associated Press is seeking a dynamic Live Blog News Editor to join our growing team of journalists dedicated to engaging digital audiences. If you are passionate about live, real-time news coverage, thrive in fast-paced environments and understand how to reach audiences online, we want to hear from you. 

In this role, you will shape and curate real-time coverage for APNews.com, connecting audiences to our journalism through live blogs that are timely, visually compelling and highly engaging. You will collaborate across teams to coordinate live video streams and clips from major events, including breaking news, political speeches, awards shows and ongoing daily coverage. 

This role is part of AP's deliberate expansion of its live blog presence. You will work alongside colleagues in U.S. cities and London and play a key role in scaling this growing area of our journalism. 

This role is an individual contributor and will report to our News Editor (Head of live blogs). 

What you will do:  

• Plan, execute and edit live blogs for breaking news events ensuring real-time updates are timely, accurate and relevant 

• Promote and implement best practices in live blogging across AP's global news gathering and production teams 

• Collaborate with reporters, editors and contributors to maintain a cohesive narrative and compelling presentation 

• Commission and curate visual elements - photos, video and graphics - to strengthen text-based updates 

• Coordinate live video streams and clips for key moments in breaking news and major events 

• Monitor reader interactions and audience signals to foster engagement and respond quickly 

• Optimize live blogs for search by updating SEO fields, headlines and display elements in real time 

• Track performance metrics to refine live blog strategies and improve audience reach 

• Ensure all content meets AP standards for accuracy, clarity, fairness and timeliness 

• Lead training sessions for editors and reporters on live blog best practices and CMS usage 

Who you are: 

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience 

• At least three to five years of experience in digital journalism or live news production

• Demonstrated experience in digital journalism, live coverage or other real-time digital news formats

• Exceptional news judgment and ability to make fast, accurate editorial decisions under deadline pressure

• Strong writing and editing skills with a proven ability to produce clear, accurate and engaging copy on tight deadlines 

• Familiarity with best practices in SEO, social media strategy and audience engagement

• Experience using content management systems

• Strong collaboration skills across text, photo, video, audio, digital/social, interactive and graphics teams

• Proven ability to manage multiple live events and competing priorities simultaneously

• Commitment to innovation, inclusivity and AP's standards of integrity and objectivity

• Advanced- level proficiency in written and spoken English; additional languages a plus

• Ability and willingness to work nights and weekends as coverage demands

What will set you apart: 

• Experience leading newsroom training initiatives or coaching journalists on digital publishing workflows 

• Experience managing coverage of breaking news events, elections, sports, entertainment or other high-profile live events 

• Experience using audience analytics tools 

• Proficiency with video and visual tools such as Adobe Premiere, After Effects, Photoshop and Canva 

• Experience with a/b headline testing, audience engagement strategies and digital optimization techniques  

• Experience working across global or distributed newsrooms

• Experience curating digital content, including photos, videos and graphics to enhance digital storytelling 

• Strong understanding of audience behaviors across platforms

Why join us: 

• A mission-driven, inclusive environment focused on both individual and collective success. 

• Opportunities for professional development to help you reach your career goals. 

• Access to tools, mentorship, and resources tailored to elevate your proficiency and contributions. 

Salary & Benefits: 

This position is covered by The Associated Press' contract with the News Media Guild, which provides for an annual salary for Class A staff of between $53,477 and $85,214 based on location and years of professional experience. Compensation is contingent on a job candidate's skills, qualifications and market location. Employees are eligible to participate, according to the terms of the official plan documents, in a 401(k) plan and employer-sponsored health insurance plan, and are eligible for paid time off and holidays in accordance with AP policy.   

The Associated Press offers comprehensive benefits which include:  

• Competitive medical, dental and vision coverage  

• Retirement benefits  

• Company paid life insurance  

• Paid vacation and sick days  

• Paid parental leave for any new parent  

• Mental health resources  

Application deadline is August 17, 2026, at 11:59p.m. ET. 

AP seeks to build an inclusive organization grounded in respect for differences. We support all aspects of diversity and provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a veteran, or other characteristic protected by law.