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.

WATN/WLMT the ABC affiliate in Memphis, TN, 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 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:

• 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
• 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 offers comprehensive benefits designed to safeguard the physical, mental and financial health of our employees and their families. TEGNA offers two medical plan options for full and part-time employees through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, as well as access to dental and eye care coverage; fertility, surrogacy and adoption assistance; disability and life insurance.

Our 401(k) program offers full, part-time and temporary employees the opportunity to contribute 1% - 80% of their pay on a pre-tax basis to TEGNA's 401(k). Contributions made up to the first 4% of pay are eligible for a 100% match from the company and are 100% vested from day one.

Regardless of participation in TEGNA medical plans, ALL employees and their eligible family members receive nine free virtual doctor's appointments with a physician through Teladoc, and 12 free annual therapy sessions with a licensed clinician through Spring Health.

TEGNA offers a generous Paid Time Off (PTO) benefit as well as nine paid holidays per year.

TEGNA Inc. is a proud equal opportunity employer. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, hiring and developing individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences to add to our collaborative culture. We value and consider applications from all qualified candidates without regard to actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, disability, medical condition, enrollment in college or vocational school, political affiliation, military or veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law. TEGNA will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law.