Digital News Jobs in Digital Newsrooms in Local TV Stations

Tony Filson

2 hours ago

5 min read

Small- to mid-market local TV station newsrooms are the lifeblood of countless communities, helping people stay informed, interact with their neighbors and gain their own town’s or city’s perspective on important national and global news. The viewpoint of their own neighbors reporting the news, and being affected by it themselves, is invaluable.

And nowhere are these TV stations and digital newsrooms more valuable to the communities they serve than in the 100–210 range of DMAs.

The news directors, managing editors, journalists and producers in these local TV station newsrooms are vital to their communities. While the O&Os in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and DFW are saturated with broadcast OTA and cable network news suppliers, rural towns and municipalities depend on the same people they see at school sports games, PTA meetings, BBQ contests and the local hardware store. The local TV station is truly part of the community.

The local TV station is where the rubber meets the road, and every Managing Editor, News Director, Producer, Reporter and Social Media Manager has a vested interest in the success, accuracy and journalistic integrity of the newsroom they work in.

Covering a local cherry pie or peach festival, agricultural and farmers’ reports, school plays, a new bridge connecting a ski slope two miles closer to town, or an irrigation proposal for a vineyard. These things are important, and positive news abounds that reflects more of what your community is about and what makes living in a beautiful town so special.

I’m looking for a NEWSROOM MANAGING EDITOR WITH DIGITAL ACUMEN who wants the vital responsibility of directing producers and digital content creators in this beautiful community, in one of the most beautiful places to live in America, at a local TV station with a real commitment to its DIGITAL NEWSROOM.

You should like water, water sports, cherries, wine vineyards, restaurants, BBQ contests, boating, skiing, fireworks and school plays. You should like walking down the street, where people know you and you know them. You should like being able to walk down the street at 4 PM or 4 AM and feel safe.

So here is the job for that Digital Managing Editor who wants to lead a local TV station’s digital newsroom and manage producers, optimize workflows and make the community a better place through a commitment to journalistic integrity and serving its audience.

Digital Newsroom Job for a Managing Editor to supervise news producers in Traverse City, MI

Newsroom Managing Editor | Digital & OTA | Traverse City, MI

Manage Producers, Live Coverage, Graphics and Newsroom Production Workflows

Introduction

A solid broadcaster with an exceptional reputation for growth in one of the most beautiful areas to live in the United States is seeking a Newsroom Managing Editor who can embrace and lead digital news initiatives, production workflows and standards.

Solid digital and OTA newsroom workflow leadership experience is required, with an emphasis on the future of digital news. We are looking for someone who leads by example and maintains a newsroom that motivates and rewards employees.

This opportunity is for a news executive who is seeking career stability and security and an ideal lifestyle for you and or, your family.

Compensation

Six-figure salary; company-paid GTL, STD, LTD; telecom allowances; life insurance; medical; dental; vision; 401(k); FSA; generous PTO; sick leave; paid holidays; and relocation allowance.

Position Summary

The Managing Editor leads producer performance, broadcast execution and the day-to-day coordination of newsroom resources. The role works closely with the News Director, who owns daily story assignments, and the Director of Audience Strategy, who leads the content team and sets audience priorities.

Together with the News Director and Director of Audience Strategy, the Managing Editor is responsible for growing audience and engagement across digital platforms.

The role also owns the look and feel of the broadcast shows, including graphics and coordination of technical needs with the Operations department.

Key Responsibilities

Producer and Newsroom Leadership

Lead, coach and hold the producer team accountable for accurate, compelling and well-paced newscasts.
Translate the News Director’s daily story assignments into clear producer, rundown, publishing and production plans.
Coordinate breaking-news and special-coverage execution, resolving operational issues quickly and keeping teams aligned.

Digital Audience Growth and Engagement

Share responsibility with the News Director and Director of Audience Strategy for growing audience and engagement across web, mobile, social, streaming and other digital platforms.
Support a publish-then-deepen workflow so verified information reaches audiences quickly and is updated as reporting develops.
Ensure producers and newsroom teams plan content for the platforms where it will be most useful and engaging, rather than treating digital as an afterthought.
Use audience results and competitive performance to improve execution, presentation and distribution.

Broadcast Presentation and Technical Coordination

Own the overall look and feel of the broadcast shows, including visual consistency, pacing, presentation and use of graphics.
Oversee newsroom graphics and related systems, including templates and tools such as Tagboard.
Serve as the newsroom’s day-to-day partner with the Operations department, coordinating technical needs and resolving in-show or recurring operational issues.
Work with Operations and Engineering on improvements that strengthen reliability, efficiency and the viewer experience.

Newsroom Resources and Projects

Route and evaluate requests from other leaders or departments for News or Lifestyle staff and resources, including promotional and advertising requests.
Confirm capacity, ownership and timing before commitments are made, coordinating with the News Director and Director of Audience Strategy as needed.
Lead the operational planning and execution of major projects, special programming, elections, investigations and community initiatives.
Improve workflows, handoffs and accountability while avoiding unnecessary process or bureaucracy.

Required Skills & Experience

Five or more years of progressively responsible newsroom or editorial production experience in a multi-platform content environment.
Experience leading producers, newscasts, daily coverage or complex editorial projects in a deadline-driven environment.
Strong editorial judgment and working knowledge of journalistic standards and media law.
Demonstrated ability to lead digital-first coverage and improve audience-focused execution across platforms.
Working knowledge of newsroom graphics, production systems, content-management systems and social publishing tools.
Strong communication, coaching, decision-making, conflict-management and organizational skills.
Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with people at all levels of the organization.