How to Be News Assignment Desk Coordinator - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Sep 22, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

The lack of assignment desk coordinators in news organizations has had a detrimental effect on the quality of news coverage. Without assignment desk coordinators, reporters are unable to quickly and accurately track down important sources and verify the accuracy of the news story. Furthermore, the assignment desk coordinator is in charge of making sure reporters are attending events, staying up-to-date with newsworthy stories, and creating a timeline for reporters to follow. The absence of an assignment desk coordinator also reduces the amount of collaboration between reporters, photographers, and editors, thus limiting the ability of news teams to produce timely and accurate content.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. Most employers require a bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or a related field to become a News Assignment Desk Coordinator.
Gain Relevant Experience. Prospective employers may require experience related to news assignments. This could include internships or volunteer work at newspapers, radio stations, or television networks.
Complete On-the-Job Training. Many employers provide on-the-job training for new News Assignment Desk Coordinators. This may involve learning about the newsroom structure, the assignment desk's duties and responsibilities, and any software that is used.
Develop Communication Skills. Good communication is essential for News Assignment Desk Coordinators. They must be able to speak clearly and effectively with reporters, producers, and other staff in the newsroom.
Stay Up-to-Date. News Assignment Desk Coordinators must stay up-to-date on current events and industry trends. They should be familiar with the topics that are being covered in the newsroom and be able to make decisions quickly and accurately.
Maintain Professionalism. It is important for News Assignment Desk Coordinators to maintain professionalism at all times. They should always speak and act in a professional manner, even in stressful situations.

Staying updated and efficient as an assignment desk coordinator can be challenging. To stay on top of the latest news and trends, regularly check news sources like newspapers, magazines, and websites for new trends, stories, and ideas. It is also important to stay connected with reporters and other media professionals to ensure you have access to the latest news.

staying organized is key to staying efficient. Utilize digital tools to help keep track of assignments and deadlines, and use calendars to set reminders so that nothing slips through the cracks. Finally, dont be afraid to delegate tasks where possible to ensure all tasks are completed in a timely manner and that everything is done correctly.

By taking the time to stay updated and organize tasks efficiently, assignment desk coordinators can remain efficient and successful in their role.

You may want to check News Production Assistant, News Live Stream Technician, and News Associate Producer for alternative.

Job Description

Assign and coordinate reporters or photographers to news stories.
Ensure that reporters or photographers are provided with the necessary resources and equipment.
Monitor and track story ideas, pitch requests, and other news commitments.
Research and pitch stories to reporters and photographers.
Maintain story records and organize news files.
Create and distribute daily news briefings.
Communicate with internal and external stakeholders to negotiate deadlines and story requirements.
Coordinate the production of live broadcasts and special reports.
Prepare and manage budget for news stories.
Monitor and evaluate the performance of reporters and photographers.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Excellent organizational and time management skills
Strong communication skills both written and verbal
Proficiency in using various computer applications such as Microsoft Office Suite
Strong research skills
Ability to multi-task and prioritize tasks
Ability to work independently and in a team environment
Strong problem-solving and creative thinking abilities
Knowledge of journalistic principles
Understanding of media law and regulations
Knowledge of the news industry and trends
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Knowledge of local, national, and international news

Having strong organizational and communication skills is essential for any assignment desk coordinator. These skills enable them to effectively manage a team of journalists and ensure that all tasks are completed in a timely manner. Organization is key to staying on top of deadlines and coordinating tasks with the team.

Communication skills are also essential, as a desk coordinator must be able to quickly and clearly convey instructions to their staff and coordinate with other departments. it is important for a desk coordinator to be able to think creatively and come up with new ideas for stories that will engage readers. Having a good understanding of media law is also important in order to ensure that all stories are compliant with the regulations.

Finally, having a good understanding of the industry and being up to date on the latest trends is also key for any assignment desk coordinator.

Multi-Media News Reporter, News Traffic Coordinator, and News Director are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working in a newsroom?
What knowledge do you have of news gathering and journalistic practices?
How would you prioritize assignments and manage workflow in a busy newsroom?
How would you handle competing demands from different reporters and editors?
How do you ensure accuracy and attention to detail when managing a workload?
Describe an example of when you successfully handled a difficult assignment.
What strategies do you use to stay organized and on top of deadlines?
How do you stay informed about current events and developments in the news?
What techniques do you use to troubleshoot and solve problems quickly?
How do you handle competing demands and competing priorities?

Common Tools in Industry

Communication Software. Used for organizing and managing communication with team members, clients, and other stakeholders. (eg: Slack, Microsoft Teams)
Scheduling Software. Used to track and manage appointments, meetings, and other calendar events. (eg: Google Calendar, Outlook)
Project Management Software. Used to plan, organize, and manage projects. (eg: Trello, Asana)
News Aggregator Software. Used to search for and compile news from multiple sources. (eg: Feedly, News360)
Database Software. Used to store and manage large volumes of data. (eg: Oracle, Microsoft Access)
Social Media Management Software. Used to monitor and measure social media content and performance. (eg: Hootsuite, Sprout Social)
Content Management System. Used to create and manage website content. (eg: WordPress, Drupal)
Image Editing Software. Used to edit and enhance digital images. (eg: Adobe Photoshop, GIMP)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Association of Broadcasters (NAB)
Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA)
Investigative Reporters and Editors, Inc. (IRE)
Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ)
National Press Photographers Association (NPPA)
Online News Association (ONA)
Associated Press (AP)
Broadcast Education Association (BEA)
International News Media Association (INMA)
National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association (NLGJA)

We also have Specialty News Reporter, Satellite News Reporter, and News Intern jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Lead Story. The primary news story of the day, usually highlighted in the introduction of a news broadcast.
Newsroom. The designated area where journalists and editors prepare and publish news stories.
Assignment Desk. A desk responsible for assigning stories to reporters and managing the newsroom workflow.
Desk Editor. A person who is responsible for editing and fact-checking news stories before they are published.
Production Room. The area in a newsroom where stories are produced, edited, and finalized for broadcast.
Deadline. A time limit by which an assignment must be completed.
Broadcast News. News that is presented on television or radio.
Web Content. Content that is published online, such as news articles or blog posts.
Sources. Individuals or organizations that provide information to journalists for use in their stories.
News Cycle. The process by which news stories are created and distributed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a News Assignment Desk Coordinator?

A News Assignment Desk Coordinator is a media professional responsible for monitoring news sources, assigning reporters and photographers to cover stories, and coordinating the movement of news crews.

What qualifications are required for a News Assignment Desk Coordinator?

Qualifications for a News Assignment Desk Coordinator typically include a bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or a related field. Strong organizational and multitasking skills, knowledge of news stories and sources, and familiarity with computer software and databases are also important.

What tasks does a News Assignment Desk Coordinator typically perform?

A News Assignment Desk Coordinator typically performs tasks such as monitoring news sources, assigning reporters and photographers to cover stories, coordinating news crews, organizing video footage, and managing content for broadcast.

What are the salary expectations for a News Assignment Desk Coordinator?

The salary expectations for a News Assignment Desk Coordinator vary depending on experience and location. According to PayScale, the average salary for a News Assignment Desk Coordinator is $42,300 per year.

What are the career prospects for a News Assignment Desk Coordinator?

Career prospects for a News Assignment Desk Coordinator depend on experience and the type of news organization they work for. Most news organizations prefer candidates with prior experience in media production or journalism. With experience and networking, News Assignment Desk Coordinators can advance to positions such as Executive Producer or News Director.