Live Desk Editor

OVERVIEW OF THE COMPANY

Fox TV Stations

FOX Television Stations owns and operates 29 full power broadcast television stations in the U.S. These include stations located in 14 of the top 15 largest designated market areas, or DMAs, and duopolies in 11 DMAs, including the three largest DMAs (New York, Los Angeles and Chicago). Of these stations, 18 are affiliated with the FOX Network. In addition to distributing sports, entertainment and syndicated content, our television stations collectively produce approximately 1,200 hours of local news every week. These stations leverage viewer, distributor and advertiser demand for the FOX Network’s national content.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Overview of the Role

KTVU FOX 2 is redefining the traditional newsroom. Our mission is simple: To break the rules of legacy television by building a live-first newsroom where the story dictates the clock and the audience drives the conversation. We are seeking a powerhouse Live Desk Editor to pioneer the future of local newsgathering in the San Francisco Bay Area. This is a high-impact role designed for a news hound who wants to move beyond the legacy model of an assignment desk that simply gathers facts and dispatches crews. You will serve as the central nervous system of live news coverage and an integral editorial driver for our 24/7 streaming platforms and linear broadcasts.

If you know how to spot breaking news instantly, prioritize what is "live and local right now," and leverage the power of our national affiliate network to feed an always-on streaming audience, this role is for you.

Key Responsibilities

Live Desk & Newsgathering Leadership

• Real-Time Monitoring: Aggressively monitor scanners, wires, social media, and viewer tips to identify and vet breaking Bay Area news.

• Affiliate Network Leverage: Actively source and clear high-priority live feeds and newsworthy content from FOX affiliates and news service partners to enrich local segments on all platforms.

• Asset Coordination: Collaborate with field crews, photographers, and reporters to deploy resources efficiently and safely under tight deadlines.

• Audience Integration & UGC: Field real-time viewer tips, clear user-generated content (UGC), and leverage digital community platforms (like WhatsApp/social comments) to bring the audience's voice directly into our live coverage.

Streaming Strategy & Editorial Driving

• Producer Partnership: Work directly with streaming teams at KTVU and at our affiliates to map out and guide planning for daily streaming time blocks, ensuring high-audience engagement.

• Guest Booking: Proactively pitch, research, and book compelling newsmakers, expert guests, and witnesses for live interviews relevant to news of the day.

• Visual Storytelling: Identify and leverage dynamic editorial elements—including live pictures, helicopter, social feeds, and affiliate sources—to elevate live segments.

Technical Ingest & Air Integration

• Breaking News Push: Make split-second decisions to push breaking news and high-interest live events directly to streaming teams under tight deadlines.

• Data Optimization: Leverage data and analytics to prioritize high-interest events and topics across CTV, YouTube, and digital platforms throughout various news cycles.

What You Will Need

• Experience: 3-5 years of experience in a fast-paced television newsroom, digital news platform, or assignment desk environment.

• Bay Area Expertise: Deep familiarity with the geography, political climates, and diverse communities of the San Francisco Bay Area.

• Technical Literacy: Proficient grasp of newsroom computer systems (e.g., iNews), streaming video workflows, and field tech (LiveU/TVU, digital capture).

• Exceptional Judgment: Strong journalistic ethics and the ability to make instant, accurate decisions on which "live" event takes priority for our audience.

• Calm Under Pressure: The ability to multitask—switching from traditional desk dispatching to guest booking and technical video ingest—without sacrificing accuracy or composure.

• Flexibility: Willingness to work early mornings, late nights, weekends, and holidays to cover major breaking news events.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, or a related field preferred (or equivalent real-world newsroom experience).