If you guessed Assignment Editors, then you are correct!
First Responders are frequently in communication with Assignment Editors. It’s important for First Responders to learn what the role of an Assignment Editor is in a TV newsroom.
As a former Assignment Editor at two Boston TV News Stations, I know that working at the news desk is a multifaceted job.
An Assignment Editor’s responsibilities vary depending on the size of the television newsroom.
Responsibilities include:
- Listening to scanners VERY LOUDLY, and monitoring for breaking news
- Searching and monitoring social media platforms for breaking news and news stories
- Answering phone calls from public relations firms, public information officers, officials and members of the public
- Finding and assigning news stories to reporters and photographers as well as researching stories and finding contacts in an effort to help reporters
- Arranging interviews for anchors, photographers and reporters
- Monitoring a large email inbox for press availabilities on the state and federal levels
- Communicating with affiliated TV stations for content
- Dispatching the helicopter for breaking news, general news stories and planned events
- Managing several reporter and photographer crews
- Establishing and maintaining strong relationships with local law enforcement, members of the fire industry and state and federal authorities (State Reps, Mayor’s office, Governor’s office, White House)
- Handling overall communication between the newsroom and crews in the field
Learning how to be an Assignment Editor is not simply taught, but is understood from years of experience.
Assignment desks are referred to as many different names including: the brain of the newsroom, the heart of the newsroom, the news desk, etc.
Newsrooms rely on Assignment Editors to know all!
JGPR Academy’s instructor Chief Rob Reardon, who teaches Social Media Basics for First Responders, explains the role of an assignment editor and the benefits of establishing a relationship with them as a police or fire official. Police and Fire officials are often in contact with those who work at the assignment desk, typically confirming incident information and providing context for possible stories that warrant media coverage.
Your fellow newsie,
Liz