Story Desk Editor

About TEGNA

TEGNA Inc. helps people thrive in their local communities by providing the trusted local news and services that matter most. With 64 television stations in 51 U.S. markets, TEGNA reaches more than 100 million people monthly across the web, mobile apps, streaming, and linear television. Together, we are building a sustainable future for local news. WATN/WLMT the ABC affiliate in Memphis, TN, is transforming the way we gather and present news, and we're looking for a Story Desk Editor to embrace our transition to the newsroom of the future. This role combines the skills of an assignment editor and a digital content producer to serve as the hub of the newsroom. The Story Desk Editor drives daily editorial execution, curates and produces impactful stories, and ensures our content connects authentically with audiences across streaming, digital, social and broadcast platforms.

About the role

As a Story Desk Editor, you will be part of the Story Management Desk (SMD), a unified desk that replaces the legacy assignment and digital desks. The SMD model ensures a single, streamlined workflow for planning, producing and curating stories across platforms. You will lead coverage during breaking news, shape daily story planning, and curate content across platforms. This position requires decisive editorial judgment, strong writing skills, and the ability to thrive under tight deadlines. You will collaborate with MSJs, producers and photojournalists to deliver accurate, relevant and engaging stories that serve the community.

Responsibilities

• Lead and communicate newsroom coverage during breaking news, ensuring accuracy, urgency and balance
• Identify and plan stories that matter most to the community, using editorial judgment and social listening
• Create and edit engaging content for digital platforms: website, mobile app and streaming
• Guide newsroom logistics and provide editorial support for MSJs, producers, and photojournalists
• Edit reporter content for accuracy, grammar, AP style, digital best practices, fairness and ethical considerations
• Enhance storytelling with creative elements (graphics, video, audience-submitted content, etc.)
• Use available metrics to inform coverage and improve audience reach
• Support newsroom operations and coverage planning as needed
• Uphold TEGNA's journalistic standards and values across all platforms

Requirements

• 1-3 years of journalism experience in a local newsroom, digital production, or related role
• Strong news judgment and the ability to make fast, sound editorial decisions under pressure
• Excellent writing skills, with the ability to produce accurate and compelling content quickly
• Experience with newsroom systems
• Organizational skills to manage competing priorities in a deadline-driven environment
• A collaborative, solutions-focused mindset that thrives in a team environment
• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or equivalent experience

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits designed to safeguard the physical, mental and financial health of employees and their families
• Two medical plan options for full and part-time employees through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, plus dental and eye care coverage
• Fertility, surrogacy and adoption assistance
• Disability and life insurance
• 401(k) program: employees can contribute 1%‑80% of pay pre‑tax; company matches 100% on first 4% of pay, vested from day one
• All employees and eligible family members receive nine free virtual doctor’s appointments via Teladoc and 12 free annual therapy sessions via Spring Health, regardless of medical plan participation
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) benefit and nine paid holidays per year
• Note: some positions covered by collective bargaining agreements may have different benefits administered by the union