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Desk Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

TEGNA Inc.

Story Desk Editor

Houston, TX · Hybrid

The Story Desk Editor drives daily editorial execution, curates and produces impactful stories, and ensures our content connects authentically with audiences across streaming, digital, social and ...

New

TEGNA Inc.

Story Desk Editor

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

The Story Desk Editor drives daily editorial execution, curates and produces impactful stories, and ensures our content connects authentically with audiences across streaming, digital, social and ...

TEGNA Inc.

Story Desk Editor

New Orleans, LA · On-site

The Story Desk Editor drives daily editorial execution, curates and produces impactful stories, and ensures our content connects authentically with audiences across streaming, digital, social and ...

TEGNA Inc.

Story Desk Editor

San Angelo, TX · On-site

With the Story Desk Editors, provide editorial support for MSJs, producers and photojournalists, including reviewing scripts, videos and content for accuracy, grammar, AP style, digital best ...

Politico

Editor, Central Desk

Arlington, VA · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

POLITICO is seeking a sharp and energetic editor to join its Central Editing Desk , the newsroom's general-assignment editing team. Central editors support a daily flow of stories through editing and ...

Politico

Editor, Central Desk

New York, NY · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

POLITICO isseekinga sharp and energetic editor to join its Central Editing Desk , thenewsroom's general-assignment editing team. Central editors supportadaily flow of stories througheditingand ...

NBCUniversal

Assignment Desk Editor

Miami, FL

The assignment editor supports reporters in setting up interviews and making contacts for news stories. The candidate must have a strong editorial background and be able to work in a fast paced ...

NBCUniversal

Assignment Desk Editor

Miami, FL

The assignment editor supports reporters in setting up interviews and making contacts for news stories. The candidate must have a strong editorial background and be able to work in a fast paced ...

The New York Times

Editor, Books Desk

New York, NY

In this role, you will oversee the Books desk for The New York Times, managing a stellar team of editors, critics, reporters and contributors. You will define and execute the editorial strategy of ...

NBCUniversal

Assignment Desk Editor

Miami, FL

The assignment editor supports reporters in setting up interviews and making contacts for news stories. The candidate must have a strong editorial background and be able to work in a fast paced ...

Politico

Editor, Central Desk

Arlington, VA · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

POLITICO isseekinga sharp and energetic editor to join its Central Editing Desk , thenewsroom's general-assignment editing team. Central editors supportadaily flow of stories througheditingand ...

Politico

Editor, Central Desk

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

POLITICO isseekinga sharp and energetic editor to join its Central Editing Desk , thenewsroom's general-assignment editing team. Central editors supportadaily flow of stories througheditingand ...

The New York Times

Editor, Books Desk

New York, NY · On-site

In this role, you will oversee the Books desk for The New York Times, managing a stellar team of editors, critics, reporters and contributors. You will define and execute the editorial strategy of ...

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Desk Editor information

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How much do desk editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for desk editor in the United States is $21.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $22.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a desk editor?

A Desk Editor is a professional in a newsroom or publishing environment who reviews, edits, and oversees the content produced by reporters and writers before it is published or broadcast. They are responsible for ensuring accuracy, clarity, and adherence to editorial standards, as well as making decisions about story placement and headlines. Desk Editors often coordinate with reporters, assign stories, and may also fact-check and rewrite copy as needed. Their work is crucial in maintaining the quality and credibility of news organizations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a desk editor, and why are they important?

To succeed as a Desk Editor, you need strong editorial judgment, excellent language skills, and a background in journalism or communications. Familiarity with newsroom content management systems, editing software, and style guides such as AP or Reuters is typically required. Attention to detail, time management, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure accurate, timely, and high-quality news content, maintaining the credibility and reliability of the publication.

What are some common challenges faced by desk editors in managing breaking news situations?

Desk Editors often encounter the challenge of quickly verifying information while ensuring accuracy during breaking news events. They must coordinate with reporters, photographers, and other editors to gather reliable updates under tight deadlines. Balancing the need for speed with editorial standards requires strong communication and critical thinking skills. Additionally, Desk Editors may need to make fast editorial judgments about story prioritization and resource allocation, all while maintaining composure in a rapidly changing newsroom environment.

What is the difference between Desk Editor vs Copy Editor?

AspectDesk EditorCopy Editor
CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or related fieldUsually a bachelor's degree in English, journalism, or related area
Work EnvironmentNewsrooms, publishing houses, online mediaPublishing houses, magazines, online content platforms
Primary ResponsibilitiesOversees content flow, assigns stories, manages deadlinesFocuses on grammar, style, and accuracy of the text

While both roles are essential in publishing, a Desk Editor manages the overall content process and workflow, whereas a Copy Editor concentrates on refining the language and ensuring grammatical correctness. The Desk Editor has broader responsibilities related to content management, while the Copy Editor specializes in editing the text itself.

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Desk Editor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Desk Editor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,890 per year, or $21.6 per hour.

Story Desk Editor

Houston, TX • Hybrid

TEGNA Inc.
Broadcasting • 5 - 10K employees

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

54th of 78 rated media

People enjoy working here

Respectful managers

Learn more about TEGNA Inc.external

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

KHOU the CBS affiliate in Houston, TX, is transforming the way we gather and present news, and we're looking for a Story Desk Editor to embrace our transition to the newsroom of the future. This hybrid role combines the skills of an assignment editor and a digital content producer to serve as the hub of the newsroom. The Story Desk Editor drives daily editorial execution, curates and produces impactful stories, and ensures our content connects authentically with audiences across streaming, digital, social and broadcast platforms.
Role Summary:

As a Story Desk Editor, you will be part of the Story Management Desk (SMD), a unified desk that replaces the legacy assignment and digital desks. The SMD model ensures a single, streamlined workflow for planning, producing and curating stories across platforms. You will lead coverage during breaking news, shape daily story planning, and curate content across platforms. This position requires decisive editorial judgment, strong writing skills, and the ability to thrive under tight deadlines. You will collaborate with MSJs, producers and photojournalists to deliver accurate, relevant and engaging stories that serve the community.
Responsibilities:

  • Lead and communicate newsroom coverage during breaking news, ensuring accuracy, urgency and balance
  • Identify and plan stories that matter most to the community, using editorial judgment and social listening
  • Create and edit engaging content for digital platforms: website, mobile app and streaming
  • Guide newsroom logistics and provide editorial support for MSJs, producers, and photojournalists
  • Edit reporter content for accuracy, grammar, AP style, digital best practices, fairness and ethical considerations
  • Enhance storytelling with creative elements (graphics, video, audience-submitted content, etc.)
  • Use available metrics to inform coverage and improve audience reach
  • Support newsroom operations and coverage planning as needed
  • Uphold TEGNA's journalistic standards and values across all platforms


Requirements:

  • 3-5 years of journalism experience in a local newsroom, digital production, or related role
  • Strong news judgment and the ability to make fast, sound editorial decisions under pressure
  • Excellent writing skills, with the ability to produce accurate and compelling content quickly
  • Experience with newsroom systems, CMS tools
  • Organizational skills to manage competing priorities in a deadline-driven environment
  • A collaborative, solutions-focused mindset that thrives in a team environment
  • Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or equivalent experience

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