Assignment Desk/Writer

This is a Full Time Job

Estrella MediaCo has an exciting opportunity for a dynamic and creative Assignment Desk/Writer for local news casts for our local and national markets. The Assignment Desk/Writer will be responsible for researching and distributing news coverage assignments to reporters in the designated markets. Candidates should have experience in arranging and coordinating news content. - - -

Responsibilities:

Continuously surf the internet and news services sites to research news stories.

Maintain and develop contacts in immigration, police, and community organizations to source information of interest to our audience.

Answer phones and maintain telephone contact with reporters and news camera personnel.

Source area maps and be able to give directions.

Monitor police scanners, satellite feeds and other sources for breaking news.

Dispatch and coordinate news crews to cover all aspects of the news day.

Develop sources that can be contacted during breaking news and possess skills
to advance a story beyond the basics.

Assist News team in coming up with story ideas and gathering information.

Help promote News cast and develop content in Social Media platforms.

Manage US and Foreign correspondents to gather information and possible stories for National newscasts.

Pitch stories and participate in Editorial Meetings to hand assignments to Reporters.

Manage and distribute information to Producers throughout the day.

Read, prepare, and write news stories, in Spanish, for broadcast from information obtained from assignment desk, press releases, social media, and other sources and extract pertinent facts and details.

Understanding of, and good performance at a fast-paced and deadline driven environment.

Organize material and write story conforming to specified length, style, and format requirements.

Administrative work may be required.

Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

Communications or Journalism degree preferred.

Excellent written, verbal, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Ability to multi-task and work in a high pressure fast paced environment, usually with tight and changing deadlines.

Bilingual: Fluency in written & spoken English/Spanish is required.

Strong knowledge on current event topics such as immigration, politics, economy

Prior experience as an Assignment Editor.

Working knowledge of MS office products, i.e., MS Word and Windows environment.

Be self-motivated, and creative, with the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.

Excellent research and organizational skills.

Experience in coordinating staff.

Skilled in all Social Media platforms.

Have extensive knowledge of the Hispanic community.

Ability to work under pressure.


Eligibility Requirements:

Must be willing to work in Burbank, CA. [no relocations]

Must be willing to work long hours, holidays, and weekends on short notice.

Must be willing to undergo a pre-employment background investigation.

Must have legal authorization to work in the United States.

Must possess a valid CA Driver's license and a good driving record.

Must be 18 years or older.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

Estrella MediaCo is an Equal Opportunity Employer.