The assignment desk is the nerve center of your newsroom. If it works well, things go smoothly. If not… Assignment editors are managers, and not just of information. They need to know how to manage people as well. But few assignment editors get any training beyond observing someone else “doing the desk.” To help fill the gap, we’ve put together some suggestions for desk editors.
Ask questions. The more background you have about a story, the more you can help. Question people about what they’re doing today and what they hope to do tomorrow. This lets them know you’re interested and also helps you spot and save information they can use.
Provide more than logistics. The more everyone knows about a story, the better. Give photographers background information in addition to the time and place of the assignment. This allows them to plot shooting strategies and to organize their gear ahead of time. Tell reporters how their assignment fits in with the rest of the news of the day. When crews check in, keep track of content and share what you learn immediately with producers. See these suggestions for improving communication.
Show respect. Treat reporters, crews and producers with professionalism and respect. Listen to their concerns, value their ideas, and voice your confidence in their abilities. Watch their work and tell them when it’s good. Thank them when they make your job easier.
Seek advice. When someone brings you a problem, ask for a recommendation before making a decision. See if they can offer alternatives that might work. Share the responsibility for making decisions, and you won’t be seen as a dictator.
Be a fair advocate. When you have to go to the boss for a decision, be an honest broker for everyone’s position, not just yours. Explain what people want, and why they want it. Offer alternatives and be clear about the consequences of choosing a specific course of action.
Don’t just say no. When you can’t do something, explain why. Even if you can’t offer the explanation immediately, do it later. Help others understand the constraints you’re under and they may be able to anticipate and work around them next time.
Share the tools. Help others in your newsroom learn how to find information, so you aren’t the only source for phone numbers or maps. Consider the value of a newsroom start page on your computer system with useful links that anyone can access.
Find time for face time. Spend a few minutes every day with the people in your building who are on the other end of the telephone and intercom. Drop by master control or the feed room just to say hello. Get people to come see you by placing a dish of candy or snacks at the desk.
Watch your tone and demeanor. If you feel like swearing, do it to yourself. An assignment editor who rants and raves sends signals that the desk, and thus the newsroom, is out of control. Tone becomes especially important when communicating via two-way, cell phone, or intercom, which can make you sound shrill under the best of circumstances.
Call a time out. When news is breaking or everything is going wrong, just stop for a minute to get your bearings. This is hard when everybody is screaming for action NOW. When you feel like you’re about to lose control of the day, step back and take a moment to figure out what’s most important and inventory the resources you have to cover it.
Take a hike. Every so often, hand the reins to somebody else and go down the hall or get out of the building, even if it’s just to walk around the block. It can keep you sane.
