Managing Editor Job at NAB Leadership Foundation in Mount Pleasant

WCBD TV is an NBC Affiliate Station owned by Nexstar Media Inc. We are located in the beautiful Lowcountry area of Charleston, SC. Charleston is known for its warm weather, friendly people, charming downtown, outstanding food, beautiful beaches, and so much history.

Core Responsibilities

Lead Daily Editorial Direction

Help set the editorial agenda for the day

Participate in (or run) editorial meetings alongside the News Director/EPs

Decide which stories get covered, prioritized, and developed

Ensure coverage aligns with:

Station brand

community relevance

ratings / digital strategy

Think: What are we covering and why it matters today?

Oversee Assignment Desk & Content Flow

Directly supervise or closely coordinate with the assignment desk

Manage:

crews and reporter deployment

breaking news response

logistics (live shots, feeds, resources)

Ensure efficient use of newsroom resources

This is often the operational air traffic controller role.

Drive Story Quality & Execution

Work with reporters and producers to:

sharpen story angles

elevate storytelling (exclusivity, enterprise)

enforce accuracy and journalistic standards

Review scripts, rundowns, and coverage plans when needed

Focus is not just filling shows - but making stories stronger.

Breaking News Leadership

Take charge during major breaking news

Make fast decisions on:

coverage scale

live coverage vs. packaged

team deployment and priorities

Coordinate across platforms (TV, web, social)

In many newsrooms, the Managing Editor is the point person in chaos.

Cross-Platform Content Strategy

Ensure alignment between:

broadcast

digital

social platforms

Push for:

real-time updates

web-first publishing when needed

consistent messaging across platforms

This role increasingly bridges TV + digital integration.

Supervise and Develop Staff

Coach reporters, MMJs, producers, and assignment editors

Provide feedback on:

writing

storytelling

news judgment

Help identify growth opportunities and training needs

In many shops, this is a key leadership development role under the News Director.

Maintain Editorial Standards & Ethics

Enforce:

accuracy

fairness

legal guidelines

Review sensitive or high-risk content before airing/publishing

Ensure compliance with company policies

Long-Term & Enterprise Planning

Look beyond the daily cycle to:

plan sweeps coverage

identify investigative or enterprise opportunities

coordinate special projects

How It Typically Fits in a Local Newsroom
Reports to: News Director

Works closely with:

Executive Producers

Digital team

Assignment Desk Manager

Reporters/MMJs

Often supervises:

Assignment desk

sometimes reporters

In Practical Terms (Day-to-Day)
A Managing Editor's day often looks like:

Morning editorial call → refine coverage plan

Midday check-ins → adjust for breaking news

Afternoon/evening → oversee execution & troubleshoot

Constant communication with desk, producers, reporters

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