MANAGING EDITOR - WDBJ

Managing Editor - WDBJ

Job Category: News Requisition Number: MANAG016237
Full-Time Roanoke, VA 24017, USA
Description

About Gray Media:
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 include, but are not limited to:
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