Job Description

News Director Opportunity At KCEN-TV

KCEN-TV, the TEGNA-owned NBC affiliate in Waco, Texas is recruiting a passionate news leader to oversee all aspects of our 24/7 story-centric, streaming and broadcast operation. The ideal candidate will uphold KCEN-TV's high standards for engaging storytelling, investigative excellence, and journalism that is relevant, compelling and impactful—with a sharp focus on breaking news, severe weather, politics, sports, showcasing what makes Central Texas one-of-a-kind and celebrating its rich history.

This leader has a proven track record of developing talent, coaching teams and recruiting high-potential journalists. The News Director will collaborate closely with KCEN-TV news and station leadership to ensure content that is highly relevant to the Temple and Waco community. This includes driving daily editorial priorities, ensuring consistent execution across platforms and delivering context, enterprise reporting and exclusive content that helps audiences understand what matters and why. The winning candidate will be audience-obsessed, with experience using real-time analytics to guide editorial priorities. This leader will model TEGNA's values in every decision—demand the truth, work smarter, do the right thing and win—guiding how we serve our audiences, support our teams and deliver essential journalism every day.

Responsibilities:

• Lead all daypart teams in this 24/7, streaming-first operation that showcases KCEN-TV high-quality content.
• Coach a talented team of producers to execute multi-platform programming in an exciting, captivating and authentic manner, including showcasing storytelling, presentation and developing new segments.
• Coach on-air reporters to perform in an engaging manner across broadcast, digital and social platforms.
• Lead recruitment efforts for all newsroom positions with emphasis on building a newsroom filled with A+ talent.
• Be a key voice in the KCEN-TV editorial process, guiding coverage focus and newsroom priorities.
• Use research and analytics to guide editorial decisions and measure performance.
• Collaborate with content leaders to ensure alignment of linear, streaming and digital platforms.
• Oversee planning and coverage of special events and key community initiatives.
• Direct major breaking news coverage promptly and effectively.
• Perform other tasks as required by the Vice President of Content for the region.

Requirements:

• Minimum of 6+ years of newsroom leadership experience, including experience as a News Director or medium/ large market Assistant News Director
• Proven success leading multi-platform news operations with deep experience in breaking news, severe weather coverage, enterprise reporting and major community events.
• Strong editorial judgment and storytelling instincts with the ability to set daily coverage priorities and guide high-stakes decision-making under pressure.
• Demonstrated ability to lead change, coach and develop producers, reporters and on-air talent to deliver compelling, engaging content across broadcast, digital, streaming and social platforms.
• Experience recruiting, building and retaining high-performing newsroom teams that reflect the communities served.
• Data-informed approach to journalism with experience using research, audience analytics and performance metrics to guide editorial strategy and measure impact.
• Deep understanding of professional journalism standards, ethics and accountability with a commitment to accuracy, fairness and transparency.
• Exceptional organizational, leadership and communication skills with the ability to manage complexity, align teams and remain calm in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Familiarity with the Central Texas area, or a reason to relocate here, a plus.

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