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News Assignment Editor Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Political Reporter

Chicago, IL · On-site

$60 - $72/hr

This role requires a journalist who thrives on breaking news, holds public officials accountable ... Collaborate with producers, digital teams, and assignment editors to shape coverage * Use data ...

This role requires a journalist who thrives on breaking news, holds public officials accountable ... Collaborate with producers, digital teams, and assignment editors to shape coverage * Use data ...

This role requires a journalist who thrives on breaking news, holds public officials accountable ... Collaborate with producers, digital teams, and assignment editors to shape coverage * Use data ...

Staff Reporter - Wednesday Journal The Reporter is a general assignment role for a journalist who ... Exercise good news judgment and editorial discretion * Work closely with editors, fellow reporters ...

Staff Reporter - Wednesday Journal The Reporter is a general assignment role for a journalist who ... Exercise good news judgment and editorial discretion * Work closely with editors, fellow reporters ...

... assignment desk and show personnel. The position requires travel to stories including breaking news ... Multimedia/digital journalism skills: shooting, non-linear editing, file transfer (Latakoo ...

... Assignment Desk to maximize newsroom resources and reflect the most important news of the day ... Desktop editing skills preferred. * Proven ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.

... Assignment Desk to maximize newsroom resources and reflect the most important news of the day ... Desktop editing skills preferred. * Proven ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.

... Assignment Desk to maximize newsroom resources and reflect the most important news of the day ... Desktop editing skills preferred. * Proven ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.

News Assignment Editor information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$10

$31

$45

How much do news assignment editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for news assignment editor in Chicago, IL is $31.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.48 and $37.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a News Assignment Editor, you need strong editorial judgment, multitasking abilities, and a background in journalism or communications, often supported by a bachelor's degree. Familiarity with newsroom management systems, wire services, and digital publishing tools is typically required. Excellent communication, leadership, and decision-making skills help coordinate teams and manage breaking news situations effectively. These skills ensure accurate, timely news coverage and seamless newsroom operations in a fast-paced environment.

How does a news assignment editor typically coordinate coverage among reporters and photographers during breaking news events?

A News Assignment Editor plays a pivotal role in orchestrating coverage during breaking news by quickly assessing story priorities, assigning reporters and photographers to locations, and providing real-time updates as information evolves. They act as the central communication hub, relaying instructions, verifying facts, and ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently to cover all angles of the story. This requires strong multitasking skills and the ability to make swift decisions under pressure, while also maintaining clear communication with newsroom staff and field teams.

What is the difference between News Assignment Editor vs News Producer?

AspectNews Assignment EditorNews Producer
Primary RoleAssigns news stories to reporters and editors, manages newsroom workflowPlans, coordinates, and oversees the production of news segments and broadcasts
CredentialsJournalism degree or related experience, strong editing skillsJournalism or communications background, experience in broadcast production
Work EnvironmentNewsroom, fast-paced, deadline-drivenStudio or newsroom, coordinating live or recorded segments
Industry UsageCommon in broadcast and digital news outletsCommon in TV stations and news organizations

While both roles are vital in news production, the News Assignment Editor focuses on assigning stories and managing newsroom logistics, whereas the News Producer oversees the overall production and presentation of news segments. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the journalism industry.

What does a news assignment editor do?

The responsibilities of a news assignment editor at a newspaper, digital news source, radio, or TV news program are to identify newsworthy stories and assign reporters, photographers, or TV crews to cover each story. As a news assignment editor, you coordinate with internal resources as well as subjects, PR personnel, and other managers to ensure that reporters have access to events, press conferences, and private interviews. You oversee the creation of the content and edit stories into a readable or viewable form. You typically work under more senior section editors or producers.

What are popular job titles related to News Assignment Editor jobs in Chicago, IL? For News Assignment Editor jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching News Assignment Editor jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for News Assignment Editor jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various News Assignment Editor job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,508 per year, or $32 per hour.

$60 - $72/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Fox News rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 76 rated media


Job description

OVERVIEW OF THE COMPANY
Fox TV Stations
FOX Television Stations owns and operates 29 full power broadcast television stations in the U.S. These include stations located in 14 of the top 15 largest designated market areas, or DMAs, and duopolies in 11 DMAs, including the three largest DMAs (New York, Los Angeles and Chicago). Of these stations, 18 are affiliated with the FOX Network. In addition to distributing sports, entertainment and syndicated content, our television stations collectively produce approximately 1,200 hours of local news every week. These stations leverage viewer, distributor and advertiser demand for the FOX Network's national content.
JOB DESCRIPTION
FOX Chicago is seeking a dynamic and driven Political Reporter to lead coverage of local, state, and national politics with a strong emphasis on digital storytelling and audience engagement. This role requires a journalist who thrives on breaking news, holds public officials accountable, and delivers content across broadcast, web, mobile, and social platforms.
Key Responsibilities
  • Report, write, and deliver compelling political stories for daily newscasts and digital platforms
  • Develop and maintain relationships with sources within government, campaigns, and policy organizations
  • Produce in-depth enterprise and investigative political coverage
  • File quickly and accurately for FOXChicago.com, live blogs, and social media
  • Create digital-first content including articles, explainers, and video clips optimized for online audiences
  • Appear live on-air for breaking political coverage and analysis
  • Collaborate with producers, digital teams, and assignment editors to shape coverage
  • Use data, public records, and research tools to uncover impactful stories
  • Engage with viewers through social media platforms and community events
  • Monitor political trends and identify stories that resonate with a Chicago-area audience

Digital Responsibilities
  • Write and publish multiple web stories daily with SEO best practices
  • Produce short-form and long-form video content for digital platforms
  • Contribute to live streams, special coverage, and election night reporting
  • Leverage analytics tools to inform story decisions and audience growth
  • Maintain an active and professional social media presence (Twitter/X, Facebook, Instagram, etc.)
  • Experiment with new formats such as newsletters, podcasts, or explainers

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, Political Science, or related field
  • 3-5+ years of reporting experience, preferably covering politics
  • Strong understanding of local, state, and national politics
  • Proven ability to break stories and cultivate sources
  • Excellent writing, live reporting, and storytelling skills
  • Experience publishing to digital platforms and CMS tools
  • Familiarity with SEO, social media strategy, and audience engagement
  • Ability to work under tight deadlines in a fast-paced newsroom
  • Strong editorial judgment and commitment to journalistic ethics

Preferred Skills
  • Experience covering Chicago or Illinois politics
  • Multimedia skills (shooting/posting video on social media)

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable law.
Pursuant to state and local pay disclosure requirements, the pay rate/range for this role, with final offer amount dependent on education, skills, experience, and location is $60.00-72.00 per hour. This role is also eligible for various benefits, including medical/dental/vision, insurance, a 401(k) plan, paid time off, and other benefits in accordance with applicable plan documents. Benefits for Union represented employees will be in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement.
View more detail about FOX Benefits.

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