Assistant News Director

About TEGNA

TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA) 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.

 

 

KWES-TV, the TEGNA-owned NBC affiliate serving Midland-Odessa and the greater Permian Basin, is searching for a transformational, people-first newsroom leader to guide daily editorial strategy across broadcast, streaming and digital platforms. This is a rare opportunity to help shape the future of a newsroom in a market defined by passionate viewers, deep community ties and high-stakes coverage that matters to West Texas families. 

At NewsWest 9 we live TEGNA’s newsroom values in every decision: demand the truth, work smarter, do the right thing and win. These values drive how we serve our audiences, support our teams and deliver essential journalism across all platforms. 

The Assistant News Director will be a key partner in newsroom transformation, owning day-to-day editorial leadership while inspiring excellence and innovation across platforms. You will work closely with anchors, producers, reporters and the combined story desk to champion impactful local journalism, break news with clarity and lead content that drives audience growth. 

This position reports to the News Director. 

 

Key Responsibilities 

Daily Editorial Leadership 

• Take ownership of editorial decision-making for key dayparts across linear and digital platforms 

• Ensure content is competitive, urgent and rooted in context, accountability and solutions 

• Shape daily story development with producers, reporters and digital journalists 

• Lead breaking news and community-impact coverage with speed, accuracy and clarity 

• Uphold NewsWest 9’s commitment to earning audience trust in every story 

 

Streaming & Digital Strategy 

• Develop and execute a multi-platform content plan that reflects TEGNA’s transformation strategy 

• Prioritize vertical video, OTT/CTV audiences and mobile-first storytelling 

• Optimize workflows for 24/7 content delivery across linear, digital and streaming platforms 

• Drive experimentation with new formats, interactive experiences and innovative presentation 

 

Audience Growth & Analytics 

• Use analytics, research and audience insights to guide editorial choices 

• Execute SEO, push alert, newsletter and social strategies that strengthen reach and loyalty 

• Ensure content serves the unique needs and interests of the Midland-Odessa community 

 

Team Leadership & Talent Development 

• Coach, mentor and elevate producers, reporters, editors and digital journalists 

• Deliver consistent feedback and build a culture rooted in curiosity, collaboration and accountability 

• Support recruitment and development of newsroom talent 

 

Strategic Planning & Innovation 

• Collaborate with the News Director on long-term editorial direction, staffing and workflows 

• Implement new tools, technology and partnerships that make the newsroom more efficient and responsive 

 

Qualifications 

• 3+ years of local broadcast news experience with experience producing compelling, content-driven newscasts 

• Demonstrated success in real-time content environments, breaking news and competitive coverage 

• Deep und