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News Desk Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Paramount

News Desk Supervisor

West Sacramento, CA · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

The News Desk Supervisor is responsible for managing newsroom assignments, monitoring phones ... You will work with the Assistant News Director and Executive Producer Impacting Communities to ...

Paramount

News Desk Supervisor

West Sacramento, CA · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

The News Desk Supervisor is responsible for managing newsroom assignments, monitoring phones ... You will work with the Assistant News Director and Executive Producer Impacting Communities to ...

University of Georgia

Desk Assistant

Athens, GA

$12/hr

News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles ... This includes overnight shifts (for Night Desk Assistants), weekends, academic breaks, and holidays ...

Chicago Public Media

Assistant News Editor

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$77K - $85K/yr

THE OPPORTUNITY The night assistant news editor is responsible for running the Sun-Times' news ... The editor will oversee the work of General Assignment reporters on the News Desk by assigning them ...

Chicago Public Media

Assistant News Editor

Chicago, IL

$77K - $85K/yr

THE OPPORTUNITY The night assistant news editor is responsible for running the Sun-Times' news ... The editor will oversee the work of General Assignment reporters on the News Desk by assigning them ...

The Daily Beast

News & Newsletter Editor

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$85K - $105K/yr

... and also assist the editors running point on the Beast's breaking news desk. You are a self-starter and problem-solver who will work seamlessly across our newsletter and newsroom teams, take ...

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News Desk Assistant information

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How much do news desk assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for news desk assistant in the United States is $20.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $23.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a News Desk Assistant typically contribute to the newsroom's daily workflow?

A News Desk Assistant plays a crucial role in supporting the newsroom's operations by handling tasks such as monitoring news wires, assisting with story research, coordinating logistics, and ensuring timely communication between reporters, producers, and editors. They often manage administrative duties and help prioritize breaking news, making themselves an essential link in the fast-paced news environment. This position provides hands-on exposure to the editorial process and offers valuable experience for those aspiring to advance in journalism, as it requires adaptability, strong organizational skills, and effective teamwork.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a News Desk Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a News Desk Assistant, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a relevant degree in journalism or communications. Familiarity with newsroom management systems, content management platforms, and proficiency in using newswires and editing software are typically required. Excellent communication, multitasking, and teamwork skills help you manage fast-paced environments and coordinate with reporters and editors. These abilities ensure accurate information flow, timely news coverage, and efficient newsroom operations.

What does a news desk assistant do?

A news desk assistant supports journalists and editors by managing incoming news stories, verifying information, and preparing materials for publication. They often handle administrative tasks, coordinate communication, and use newsroom software to organize content efficiently.

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

AspectNews Desk AssistantNews Reporter
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer journalism or communication degreesBachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or related field
Work EnvironmentNewsrooms, media outlets, often in fast-paced environments supporting reportersField and studio reporting, interviews, live coverage
Employer & Industry UsageMedia companies, newspapers, online news platformsNews organizations, TV stations, online media
Search & Comparison IntentSupport roles assisting in news productionActive reporting and storytelling

The main difference is that a News Desk Assistant primarily supports news production behind the scenes, handling tasks like research and coordination, while a News Reporter actively gathers and reports news stories. Both roles are essential in the journalism industry but differ in responsibilities and experience requirements.

Why is Gen Z struggling to get jobs?

Gen Z faces challenges in securing jobs due to high competition, limited work experience, and employers' preference for candidates with specific skills or certifications. Additionally, economic factors and changing hiring practices can make entry into the workforce more difficult for younger applicants, including those applying for roles like News Desk Assistant that often require strong communication and organizational skills.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A News Desk Assistant typically does not earn $10,000 a month without a degree; such high earnings are uncommon in entry-level journalism roles. High-paying jobs that can reach this level without a degree often include sales, real estate, or entrepreneurship, which rely on skills, experience, and performance rather than formal education.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Jobs that can pay $2,000 a day typically include high-level roles such as senior corporate executives, specialized consultants, or successful entrepreneurs. These positions often require extensive experience, advanced skills, or significant responsibilities, and may involve freelance work, consulting, or project-based assignments. Such earnings are usually associated with industries like finance, law, technology, or entertainment.
More about News Desk Assistant jobs
What cities are hiring for News Desk Assistant jobs? Cities with the most News Desk Assistant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of News Desk jobs? The most popular types of News Desk jobs are:
What states have the most News Desk Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for News Desk Assistant jobs include:
What job categories do people searching News Desk Assistant jobs look for? The top searched job categories for News Desk Assistant jobs are:
News Desk Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various News Desk Assistant job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,356 per year, or $20.8 per hour.
Senior News Assistant, News Desks

Senior News Assistant, News Desks

The New York Times

New York, NY • On-site

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

The New York Times is seeking a senior news assistant to support the News Desk. The ideal candidate will be an engaged and collegial team member with an interest in news. Flexibility and a desire to learn new skills are critical to success in this role.

Efficiency and strong organizational skills are a must, as the assistant will work closely with editors, desk heads and project managers across the newsroom to help the news desk team track stories and coordinate enterprise scheduling logistics, among other tasks. 

This is an in-office position, based in New York City and includes regular attendance in the office four days each week.

Responsibilities

  • Act as a primary liaison for the desk, field communications and ensure smooth administrative and logistical operations.
  • Write and produce the newsroom-wide Driving the Day email signaling masthead news priorities, every day.
  • Take detailed notes during the 9 a.m. news meeting to capture priorities, slugs and publication timing.
  • Create and maintain a newsroom-wide master list of stories each week and frequently liaise with editors, desk heads and project managers to pick up daily updates. 
  • Track the progress of top stories each day, updating the daily pitch list as stories publish.
  • Compile a list of site lead and top stories candidates based on current news priorities, preparing News Desk editors to run the 4 p.m. news meeting. 
  • Work closely with desk heads, editors and project managers to coordinate enterprise scheduling logistics to ensure prime run and play. 
  • Attend weekly enterprise meetings on behalf of the News Desk.
  • Support the weekend editor in building the plan for the weekend report, including coordinating with the Home team and desk editors to pin down slugs and timing and logging and sorting all slugs pitched for weekend in internal planning documents.
  • Track scoops from across the report, following up with reporters and editors when exclusive stories publish to include in Driving the Day.
  • Facilitate central planning and coordination on breaking and ongoing cross-desk lines of coverage.
  • Monitor the news, keeping a close eye on major competitors and flagging high level news stories. 
  • Maintain multiple newsroom-wide email distribution lists.
  • Schedule, book and attend all desk meetings.
  • Demonstrate support and understanding of our value of journalistic independence and a strong commitment to our mission to seek the truth and help people understand the world.
  • You will report to a deputy director on newsroom operations. 

Basic Qualifications

  • Experience with Google Workspace
  • Experience in a role requiring operational skills
  • Experience in a fast-past environment
  • Demonstrated troubleshooting and problem solving skills

Preferred Qualifications

  • B.A. or B.S. degree
  • A passion for learning about new tools and journalism formats
  • Strong communication skills
  • Strong news judgement, writing and editing skills
  • A collaborative attitude and the desire to work in a team toward common goals

This position is represented by the NewsGuild of NY.

REQ- 020261

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