1

News Assignment Desk Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Associate Producer will be responsible for supporting the daily production for our news shows. This role will work closely with producers, reporters, assignment desk, art department, and control ...

Gathering news affecting the community * Preparing story items for presentation in the newscasts ... A minimum of one (1) year of assignment desk experience or equivalent * A commitment to ...

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 ...

TelevisaUnivision is seeking a talented and driven Assignment Desk Editor based in Miami to join ... Monitor news wires, social media, scanners, broadcasts, and online sources to quickly identify ...

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

News Assignment Desk information

See salary details

$12

$23

$33

How much do news assignment desk jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for news assignment desk in the United States is $23.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $25.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a news assignment desk professional?

To thrive as a News Assignment Desk professional, you need strong news judgment, organizational skills, and experience in journalism or communications, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with newsroom management systems, broadcast software, and newsgathering tools is typically required. Outstanding multitasking abilities, clear communication, and the ability to work under tight deadlines are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills ensure effective coordination of news coverage, timely dissemination of information, and smooth newsroom operations.

What is a news assignment desk?

A News Assignment Desk is the central hub in a newsroom responsible for coordinating news coverage. Assignment desk staff manage incoming information, assign stories to reporters and camera crews, and keep track of breaking news events. They play a key role in ensuring the newsroom operates efficiently by prioritizing stories and providing logistical support for field teams. The desk is often the first point of contact for tips, press releases, and emergency updates, making it essential for a well-run news operation.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working on a news assignment desk, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals on a News Assignment Desk often face the challenge of rapidly prioritizing breaking news while coordinating multiple stories and reporters simultaneously. Balancing urgent assignments with ongoing coverage requires strong organizational skills and the ability to make quick editorial decisions under pressure. Regular communication with field crews, producers, and newsroom leadership helps maintain clarity and prevent overlaps or missed stories. Embracing newsroom management software and staying adaptable to shifting news cycles can further streamline workflow and reduce stress.

What is the difference between News Assignment Desk vs News Reporter?

AspectNews Assignment DeskNews Reporter
CredentialsTypically requires a journalism degree or related experienceRequires a journalism degree or equivalent experience
Work EnvironmentOffice-based, coordinating news coverage and assignmentsField-based, reporting from the scene of news events
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in newsrooms to organize coverageUsed by media outlets for on-the-ground reporting

The News Assignment Desk primarily manages news coverage logistics and assigns stories, working behind the scenes. In contrast, News Reporters are responsible for gathering news firsthand and delivering reports. Both roles require journalism credentials and are integral to news production, but they differ in daily responsibilities and work settings.

More about News Assignment Desk jobs
What cities are hiring for News Assignment Desk jobs? Cities with the most News Assignment Desk job openings:
What job categories do people searching News Assignment Desk jobs look for? The top searched job categories for News Assignment Desk jobs are:
Infographic showing various News Assignment Desk job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 56% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 34% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,154 per year, or $23.2 per hour.

$49K - $66K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Walt Disney Company rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 128 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 51 rated entertainment


Job description

Job Posting Title:

Assignment Desk Editor I

Req ID:

10157259

Job Description:

The Assignment Desk Editor I will hire camera crews and arranges feeds and/or transfer of content. Strategizes and organizes movement of IP-based transmission devices for coverage. Coordinates the efforts of freelance and staff producers and associated production/technical personnel to provide video and audio sports/news material for ESPN platforms. Handles all ancillary crew needs, such as parking, credentials, Ethernet, phone lines, and permits. Understands basic rights and clearances issues. Participates in strategic editorial and logistical planning of coverage. Acts as the liaison between the Assignment Desk and Media Assets, Media Operations, and Transmission. Gathers and communicates content for use on ESPN platforms, working with ESPN staff and vendors, social media, affiliates, and other networks. Shifts will include nights and weekends. Position may be based in CT or CA.

Required Qualifications:

  • Hires freelance ENG crews
  • Possesses depth of knowledge in fiber, satellite, cellular, FTP, and viral newsgathering procedures
  • Assigns and coordinates movement of IP-based transmission devices
  • Clears social media content for ESPN platforms Reacts immediately to breaking news and requests; pursues story-related materials (sound and video) in a timely manner
  • Collaborates with ABC NewsOne/ABC affiliates, as well as other networks, on breaking news stories, sharing of information, video, and sound
  • Gathers and enters transmission information (satellite, fiber, cable) for televised games
  • Works well in a team setting, shows initiative and problem-solving skills; takes direction from assignment desk management, coordinating producers, news editors, producers, and senior editors
  • Stays informed and up to date on sporting events and has above-average sports knowledge

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Superior interpersonal and communication skills, with the capacity to handle high-volume email and phone traffic
  • Demonstrated initiative and positive, solution-oriented outlook
  • Advanced ability to organize and prioritize
  • Commitment to accuracy and attention to detail
  • Strong knowledge of sports
  • Working knowledge of television production and electronic and social media newsgathering
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs: Outlook, Excel, Word
  • Minimum of 3 years of experience in a television-related field

Required Education:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree in a related field

Additional Information:

  • Shifts will include nights and weekends

#ESPNMedia

The hiring range for this position in Bristol, CT or Hollywood Park CA is $49,200 to $66,000 per year based on a 40-hour work week. The amount of hours scheduled per week may vary based on business needs. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

Job Posting Segment:

Sports News & Coverage

Job Posting Primary Business:

Talent Producers

Primary Job Posting Category:

News Assignment Desk

Employment Type:

Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Bristol, CT, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

USA - CA - ESPN Hollywood Park

Date Posted:

2026-07-31

What Walt Disney Company employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Walt Disney logo

About Walt Disney

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Disney, we're storytellers. We make the impossible, possible. We do this through utilizing and developing cutting-edge technology and pushing the envelope to bring stories to life through our movies, products, interactive games, parks and resorts, and media networks. Now is your chance to join our talented team that delivers unparalleled creative content to audiences around the world. "We create happiness." That's our motto at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. And it permeates everything we do. At Disney, you'll help inspire that magic by enabling our teams to push the limits of entertainment and create the never-before-seen!

Industry

Amusement, gambling, and recreation

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Burbank, CA, US

Social media