MANAGING EDITOR - WDBJ Job at GRAY Media in Roanoke

Today, we are a growing multimedia company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. We are the nation's largest owner of top-rated local television stations and digital assets serving 117 full‑power television markets that collectively reach approximately 37% of US television households. The portfolio includes 80 markets with the top‑rated television station and 100 markets with the first and/or second highest rated television station in average all‑day ratings across 116 of such markets that were measured by Nielsen in 2025. We also own the largest Telemundo Affiliate group, with 47 markets, and Gray Digital Media, a full-service digital agency offering national and local clients digital marketing strategies and the most advanced digital products and services. Our additional media properties include video production companies Raycom Sports, Tupelo Media Group, and PowerNation Studios, and studio production facilities Assembly Atlanta and Third Rail Studios.

About WDBJ:
WDBJ7, WZBJ24, and WDBJ7.com are a Gray-owned dominant CBS‑affiliated media powerhouse in beautiful Roanoke, Virginia. Known as “Your Hometown Station®”, WDBJ7 and WZBJ24 serve 26 counties across the Blue Ridge Mountain region and produce more than 55 hours of award‑winning local news coverage, more than any of its competitors in the Roanoke/Lynchburg market.

For 70 years, WDBJ7 has been the number one station of choice for viewers from Roanoke to Lynchburg and across the New River Valley.

Job Summary/Description:
WDBJ‑TV news group is looking for a newsroom leader with solid news judgment who can juggle multiple tasks and adjust to a constantly changing environment. The ideal candidate can efficiently evaluate resources, make good decisions, and communicate clearly and effectively under a deadline.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Help lead and participate in editorial and planning meetings

Generate and pitch story ideas

Create, gather, develop, confirm, and set up news coverage

Keep track of crews in the field and communicate with them during daily newsgathering and breaking news

Collaborate with other managers on content gathering and planning, which includes overseeing daily operations and additional coverage for special events, as needed

Monitor multiple social media accounts to gather content and communicate with news makers

Gather and organize press releases, emails, phone calls, and viewer tips

Manage logistics for coverage assignments

Post assignments in the newsroom planning grid, providing specific details and updates for all assignments

Track and communicate the development of news stories and events

Work with our broadcast and digital teammates for coordinated coverage, which includes writing/editing stories for both platforms

Work with reporters and producers on story treatment

Review reporter scripts as assigned

Develop and maintain news contacts and sources

Keep the newsroom contact list updated

Engage in short and long‑term planning and maintain a planning calendar

Answer telephone calls, emails, and social media messages from the public

Collaborate with network assignment desks and other affiliates via phone and email

Upload and share video/sound with field teams, affiliates, sister stations, and/or the networks

Post breaking and developing news stories on digital platforms

Be familiar with local newsgathering technology and terminology

Build and maintain professional working relationships with newsmakers

Gather information from multiple sources simultaneously and quickly push it out to anchors, reporters, producers, and digital producers

Be able to remain calm and level‑headed during breaking news situations

Perform other job‑related duties as assigned

Qualifications/Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree; Communications, Journalism, or related field required

Valid driver's license with a good driving record

Excellent communication skills

Demonstrate solid news judgment

Strong research skills, including conducting online research using various search engines

Ability to stay current with national and local news/weather

Advanced knowledge of social media & digital platforms

Knowledge of the television market, geography, and issues

Ability to maintain multiple modes of communication and coordinate multiple issues during breaking news and other stressful situations

Ability to work independently with little supervision

Ability to remain positive and foster a positive work environment

Willing to work flexible hours

Able to collaborate and work well in a team environment

Maintain strong journalistic ethics; maintain professional and ethical conduct at the station and in the community

Strong initiative and attention to detail

Additional Info:
Gray Media provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Gray Media complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment at every location where the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Gray Media expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with Gray’s employees’ ability to perform their job duties may result in discipline, up to and including discharge.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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