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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.
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- 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 dicator.
- 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.
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