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News Desk Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Story Desk Editor

Spokane, WA · Hybrid

$20 - $21/hr

Story Desk Editor KREM KSKN-TV Spokane About TEGNA TEGNA Inc. helps people thrive in their local ... Together, we are building a sustainable future for local news. KREM, the TEGNA-owned CBS affiliate ...

Story Desk Editor TEGNA Inc. helps people thrive in their local communities by providing the ... Together, we are building a sustainable future for local news. WTIC, the TEGNA-owned FOX affiliate ...

Story Desk Editor TEGNA Inc. helps people thrive in their local communities by providing the ... Together, we are building a sustainable future for local news. WTIC, the TEGNA-owned FOX affiliate ...

Story Desk Editor

Spokane, WA · Hybrid

$20 - $21/hr

Story Desk Editor KREM KSKN-TV Spokane About TEGNA TEGNA Inc. helps people thrive in their local ... Together, we are building a sustainable future for local news. KREM, the TEGNA-owned CBS affiliate ...

Together, we are building a sustainable future for local news. WWL-TV , the TEGNA-owned CBS affiliate in New Orleans , is looking for a Story Desk Editor to embrace our transition to the newsroom of ...

Senior News Editor

$100K - $115K/yr

This role demands editors who can run a national news desk at full throttle-making high-stakes editorial decisions in real time, rewriting aggressively, and delivering journalism that competes head ...

Senior News Editor

$100K - $115K/yr

This role demands editors who can run a national news desk at full throttle-making high-stakes editorial decisions in real time, rewriting aggressively, and delivering journalism that competes head ...

As the Senior Assignment Editor, you have excellent editorial judgement and will supervise the NY ... of the FBN News Desk in designing systems, planning for major coverage events, improving ...

Together, we are building a sustainable future for local news. KIDY KXVA-TV , the TEGNA-owned Fox ... With the Story Desk Editors, provide editorial support for MSJs, producers and photojournalists ...

As the Senior Assignment Editor, you have excellent editorial judgement and will supervise the NY ... of the FBN News Desk in designing systems, planning for major coverage events, improving ...

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News Desk Editor information

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How much do news desk editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for news 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 does a news desk editor do?

A News Desk Editor oversees the flow of news stories within a newsroom, assigning tasks to reporters, editing copy, and ensuring stories meet editorial standards and deadlines. They play a critical role in deciding which stories get published or broadcast and coordinate with other departments such as photography and digital media. News Desk Editors must stay updated on current events, manage breaking news situations, and maintain the accuracy and credibility of reporting. Their work ensures that the news organization delivers timely, relevant, and well-edited content to its audience.

How does a news desk editor typically collaborate with reporters and other editorial staff during breaking news situations?

During breaking news events, a News Desk Editor plays a crucial role in coordinating the newsroom's response. They work closely with reporters to assign coverage, verify facts swiftly, and prioritize the most newsworthy angles. The editor also communicates with photographers, graphic designers, and digital teams to ensure timely and accurate publication across platforms. This high-paced collaboration demands clear communication, quick decision-making, and the ability to manage multiple streams of information simultaneously.

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

To thrive as a News Desk Editor, you need strong news judgment, editing proficiency, and a background in journalism or communications, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with newsroom content management systems, AP style, and digital publishing tools is typically required. Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work under tight deadlines help News Desk Editors stand out. These skills ensure timely, accurate, and high-quality news coverage that maintains the publication's credibility and audience trust.

What is the difference between News Desk Editor vs Copy Editor?

AspectNews Desk EditorCopy Editor
CredentialsJournalism degree or related experienceEnglish, Journalism, or Communications degree
Work EnvironmentNewsrooms, media outlets, online news platformsPublishing houses, magazines, online content teams
Employer & IndustryMedia companies, news organizationsPublishing companies, media outlets
Primary FocusOverseeing news content, editing headlines, managing news flowEnsuring grammatical accuracy, clarity, and style consistency

While both roles involve editing, a News Desk Editor focuses on managing news content and headlines in a fast-paced newsroom environment, whereas a Copy Editor concentrates on refining language, grammar, and style across various types of content. Both roles require strong editing skills and familiarity with media standards, but their daily tasks and focus areas differ significantly.

Are news desk editors still in demand?

News desk editors remain in demand as they play a key role in managing news content, verifying facts, and coordinating reporting teams. The evolving media landscape and digital platforms continue to require skilled editors with strong editing, communication, and familiarity with content management systems. Job opportunities may vary based on the size of the organization and industry trends.

How much do news desk editors get paid?

News desk editors typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and the size of the media organization. Salaries can vary based on the complexity of the newsroom, the editor's level of responsibility, and whether they work full-time or freelance.
More about News Desk Editor jobs
Infographic showing various News Desk Editor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,890 per year, or $21.6 per hour.

Story Desk Editor

TEGNA Inc.

Houston, TX • Hybrid

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


TEGNA rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

50th of 78 rated media


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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