Story Desk Editor

Story Desk Editor

TEGNA Inc. helps people thrive in their local communities by providing the trusted local news and services that matter most. With 64 television stations in 51 U.S. markets, TEGNA reaches more than 100 million people monthly across the web, mobile apps, streaming, and linear television. Together, we are building a sustainable future for local news.

WTHR, the TEGNA-owned NBC affiliate in Indianapolis, 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.

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:

• 1–3 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

TEGNA is reimagining local journalism for the newsroom of the future. With 64 stations across 51 markets, we deliver trusted, fact-based news that informs, engages, and empowers communities. Our values Demand the Truth, Work Smarter, Debate Fearlessly, Listen Carefully, and Zero-Base Every Process guide everything we do. By joining WTHR, you will be part of a company that demands the truth, works smarter, and tells impactful stories that serve our communities every day.