News Director

About the role

WMAZ-TV, the TEGNA-owned CBS affiliate serving Macon, Georgia, is recruiting a passionate news leader to oversee all aspects of their 24/7 story-centric, streaming and broadcast operation. The ideal candidate will uphold WMAZ's high standards for engaging storytelling, investigative excellence, and journalism that is relevant, compelling and impactful—with a sharp focus on breaking news, severe weather, politics, sports and showcasing the people, places and stories that make Central Georgia unique.

Responsibilities

• Lead all daypart teams in this 24/7, streaming-first operation that showcases WMAZ's high-quality content.
• Coach a talented team of producers to execute multi-platform programming in an exciting, captivating and authentic manner, including showcasing storytelling, presentation and developing new segments.
• Coach on-air reporters to perform in an engaging manner across broadcast, digital and social platforms.
• Lead recruitment efforts for all newsroom positions with emphasis on building a newsroom filled with A+ talent.
• Be a key voice in the WMAZ editorial process, guiding coverage focus and newsroom priorities.
• Use research and analytics to guide editorial decisions and measure performance.
• Collaborate with content leaders to ensure alignment of linear, streaming and digital platforms.
• Oversee planning and coverage of special events and key community initiatives.
• Direct major breaking news coverage promptly and effectively.
• Perform other tasks as required by the Vice President of Content for the region.

Requirements

• Minimum of 7+ years of newsroom leadership experience, including experience as a News Director or other senior newsroom leader.
• Proven success leading multi-platform news operations with deep experience in breaking news, severe weather coverage, enterprise reporting and major community events.
• Strong editorial judgment and storytelling instincts with the ability to set daily coverage priorities and guide high-stakes decision-making under pressure.
• Demonstrated ability to lead change, coach and develop producers, reporters and on-air talent to deliver compelling, engaging content across broadcast, digital, streaming and social platforms.
• Experience recruiting, building and retaining high-performing newsroom teams that reflect the communities served.
• Data-informed approach to journalism with experience using research, audience analytics and performance metrics to guide editorial strategy and measure impact.
• Deep understanding of professional journalism standards, ethics and accountability with a commitment to accuracy, fairness and transparency.
• Exceptional organizational, leadership and communication skills with the ability to manage complexity, align teams and remain calm in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Familiarity with Central Georgia, or a reason to relocate here, a plus.

Benefits

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

EEO Statement

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. If you are in need of an accommodation in order to submit your application, please email askhr@tegna.com