News Editor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the fast-paced world of modern journalism, the role of the News Editor has become more crucial than ever.

As news cycles accelerate, the demand for skilled professionals who can curate, refine, and deliver our daily news grows exponentially.

But what exactly does a News Editor do?

Whether you are:

• An aspiring journalist aiming to understand this pivotal role,
• A recruiter formulating the perfect job advert,
• Or simply curious about the inner workings of a newsroom,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable News Editor job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve right into it.

News Editor Duties and Responsibilities

News Editors play a critical role in the newsroom, managing news coverage and ensuring that all content is factual, accurate, timely, and meets the highest journalistic standards.

They oversee the editorial team and are responsible for guiding the news production process.

The daily duties and responsibilities of a News Editor include:

• Assigning stories to journalists and providing guidance on the angle or perspective to take
• Reviewing story ideas proposed by staff and deciding what material will appeal most to readers
• Checking content to ensure that it meets the journalistic standards, rules of grammar, punctuation, and style
• Editing stories for clarity, conciseness and coherence
• Writing headlines, stand-firsts and captions
• Plan layout of the news publication
• Coordinate with the production team to ensure timely release of the newspaper or broadcast
• Ensuring that all news content is accurate and balanced
• Handling reader complaints and taking responsibility for issues after publication
• Working closely with the legal team to ensure content doesn’t infringe on libel laws

 

News Editor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a skilled News Editor to oversee our news team and ensure the production of high-quality news content.

The News Editor will be responsible for gathering news, editing stories, and coordinating with the news team to provide fair, balanced, and accurate news coverage that adheres to ethical journalism standards.

An ideal candidate should be a seasoned journalist with a knack for managing staff, a nose for good stories, and the ability to juggle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

 

Responsibilities

• Assigning stories to reporters and coordinating with correspondents
• Reviewing and editing content for clarity, accuracy, and style
• Maintaining updated knowledge of news, events, and hot topics
• Coordinating work with the production team to create seamless broadcasts
• Working under tight deadlines to ensure news is delivered on time
• Ensuring all news content adheres to ethical journalism standards
• Developing strategies to increase audience engagement
• Maintaining the high editorial standards of our news outlet

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a News Editor or similar role in a newsroom
• Excellent command of English, both written and verbal
• Strong writing and proofreading skills with an eye for detail
• Ability to prioritize and multitask under pressure
• Knowledge of media law and ethical guidelines for journalists
• Proficiency in news editing software
• Excellent organizational and leadership skills
• A degree in Journalism, Communications, or related field

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: News Editor
• Work Environment: This role is primarily office-based but may require travel for reporting or networking events.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the News Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $60,000 minimum to $90,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a News Editor Do?

News Editors typically work for media outlets such as newspapers, magazines, TV stations, or online news platforms.

They are responsible for reviewing, selecting, and editing the news stories that will be published or broadcasted to the public.

They work closely with reporters, journalists, and other editorial staff to ensure the accuracy, relevance, and newsworthiness of the content.

Their job involves assigning stories to reporters, coordinating with the news team, and making final decisions on the layout or arrangement of news reports.

They also check articles for factual accuracy, grammar, writing style, and adherence to the outlet’s editorial policy.

News Editors might also have to liaise with photographers, designers, and other staff to incorporate photos, videos, or graphics into stories.

Additionally, they may need to write headlines, captions, or lead-ins to articles.

In the case of breaking news or unexpected events, News Editors need to be able to make quick decisions and rapidly coordinate their team’s response.

They also need to keep up-to-date with news trends and developments, as well as monitor competing news outlets, to ensure their own outlet remains competitive.

 

News Editor Qualifications and Skills

A proficient News Editor should possess the qualifications and skills that adhere to the demands of the job, such as:

• Exceptional editorial skills to review, revise and approve news stories for publication.
• Strong writing skills to develop and edit compelling news stories that engage the audience.
• Communication skills to coordinate with reporters, journalists and other staff members, giving clear guidelines and feedback.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills to lead a team of writers and reporters and create a productive working environment.
• Critical thinking and decision-making abilities to determine which stories are most newsworthy and where they should be placed within the publication.
• Attention to detail to ensure accuracy, grammatical correctness and compliance with the ethical standards of journalism in all published material.
• Deadline-oriented mindset to manage multiple tasks, prioritize duties and ensure the timely production and publication of news content.
• Knowledge of current events and a keen interest in the news to ensure the publication stays relevant and timely.
• Familiarity with digital publishing platforms and content management systems, alongside a basic understanding of SEO principles.

 

News Editor Experience Requirements

News Editors often begin their career journey as journalists or reporters, where they gain valuable experience understanding how news stories are written, vetted, and published.

This initial period, generally spanning 1-2 years, helps them acquire the necessary skills and knowledge about the field.

Typically, after 2-3 years in the field, they may move into roles that require more editorial responsibility, such as an Associate or Assistant Editor.

Here, they gain the ability to oversee stories, manage assignments, and shape the direction of a publication or segment.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience may have gathered the necessary expertise and leadership skills to take on the News Editor role.

This includes skills in managing a team of reporters, coordinating with other editors, and making key decisions about the editorial direction and content of the news platform.

It’s important to note that for a News Editor position, experience in the specific subject matter that the publication focuses on can be highly desirable.

For instance, a News Editor for a technology-focused publication would benefit from having experience writing or editing technology news stories.

 

News Editor Education and Training Requirements

News Editors typically have a bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, English, or a related field.

They also need a strong background in writing, editing, and news reporting.

Familiarity with digital media platforms and experience in media production is often beneficial.

Some positions, particularly those in larger media outlets, may require News Editors to have a master’s degree in journalism or a related field.

Many News Editors also undergo specific training in editing software, journalism ethics, media law, and leadership skills.

In addition, News Editors are often expected to have several years of experience in journalism or writing, often starting their careers as reporters or writers.

Pursuing certification from journalism or editing organizations can also be beneficial, demonstrating a commitment to the profession and an understanding of industry standards.

Continuous professional development is crucial in this field, to keep up with emerging trends in digital journalism, social media, and changes in the news consumption landscape.

 

News Editor Salary Expectations

A News Editor can expect to earn an average salary of $59,484 (USD) per year.

The actual compensation may vary depending on factors such as years of experience, qualifications, the size and location of the employing news agency.

 

News Editor Job Description FAQs

What skills does a News Editor need?

News Editors should have strong written and verbal communication skills as they frequently interact with writers, reporters and the management team.

They should have impeccable grammar and editing skills, an eye for detail and fact-checking abilities.

Additionally, they need to have leadership skills, be able to work under pressure and meet deadlines, and have a keen understanding of news value and audience preferences.

 

Do News Editors need a degree?

While not always required, most News Editors have a bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or a related field.

However, experience is extremely important in this role.

Many News Editors have previously worked as reporters or writers, which gives them a deeper understanding of the news production process.

 

What should you look for in a News Editor resume?

A News Editor’s resume should show a strong background in journalism, including experience in reporting or writing.

Look for skills such as editing, proofreading, and fact-checking.

A strong News Editor candidate should also have experience managing teams, working under deadlines, and using digital publishing tools.

Any awards or recognitions for their work can also be a strong indicator of their skills and dedication.

 

What qualities make a good News Editor?

A good News Editor is detail-oriented, has a keen eye for identifying newsworthy stories, and understands what their audience wants to read or watch.

They have excellent leadership skills, able to direct a team of journalists while also collaborating effectively with other departments.

They are adaptable, able to quickly respond to breaking news situations, and have a strong ethical compass to ensure the integrity of the news they publish.

 

How has the role of a News Editor evolved with the digital era?

The digital era has significantly impacted the role of News Editors.

Today, they must be adept at editing and publishing content across multiple platforms, including websites, social media, and mobile apps.

They need to understand SEO principles, digital audience behavior, and multimedia storytelling techniques.

The ability to analyze digital metrics to gauge content performance and audience engagement has also become a crucial part of their role.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve given you a behind-the-scenes look at what it truly means to be a news editor.

Surprise?

It’s not just about proofreading articles.

It’s about shaping the narrative of the world, one headline at a time.

With our indispensable news editor job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to make your mark.

But why stop there?

Dive deeper with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for creating precision-crafted job listings or honing your resume to stand out.

Remember:

Every headline is a part of the grand narrative.

Let’s shape that narrative. Together.

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