Learn essential tips for overseeing a news team and delegating tasks to ensure accurate and timely news coverage in the fast-paced world of journalism.

First, dump the ‘team’ thing. Does The NY Times send out teams to report! You’ve got 30 journalists - give them each an iPhone (and adequate training on how to use it properly), then say “here’s your camera - there’s the door - go report and don’t come back without a story.” It’s how newspapers have worked for 150 years

Last updated on Jul 21, 2024

You're overseeing a news team. How can you delegate tasks for accurate and timely news coverage?

As the overseer of a news team, you face the critical challenge of ensuring that news coverage is both accurate and timely—an essential balance in the fast-paced world of journalism. Delegating tasks effectively is key to achieving this goal. It requires a strategic approach to manage resources, prioritize stories, and coordinate efforts to keep your audience informed. The complexity of this task cannot be overstated, as it involves a blend of keen judgment, clear communication, and an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of your team members. Your leadership and organizational skills are put to the test every day in the newsroom, where the pressure to deliver is relentless and the margin for error is slim.

1 Assess Skills

Understanding the individual strengths and capabilities of your team members is foundational to effective delegation. You should know who excels in investigative research, who has a knack for engaging interviews, and who can write compelling narratives under tight deadlines. By aligning tasks with the skill sets of your journalists, you ensure that each story is tackled by the person best equipped for the job. This not only enhances the quality of the work but also fosters a sense of ownership and pride among your team, as each member gets to play to their strengths.

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Michael Rosenblum

Father of video journalism - designed and built more than 50 TV news channels and networks worldwide.
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First, dump the ‘team’ thing. Does The NY Times send out teams to report! You’ve got 30 journalists - give them each an iPhone (and adequate training on how to use it properly), then say “here’s your camera - there’s the door - go report and don’t come back without a story.” It’s how newspapers have worked for 150 years

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2 Prioritize Tasks

In news, not all stories are created equal. Some demand immediate attention while others can wait. As you delegate, prioritize tasks based on urgency, relevance, and impact. Assign breaking news to quick responders, in-depth pieces to meticulous researchers, and feature stories to creative minds. This way, you ensure that your team is not just busy, but productive—focusing their efforts on what matters most to your audience. This prioritization also helps in managing the workload and preventing burnout among your staff.

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3 Set Deadlines

Deadlines are the heartbeat of the newsroom. Clear and realistic deadlines help your team understand expectations and manage their time effectively. When delegating tasks, provide a timeline that reflects the urgency of the assignment while allowing for thorough reporting and fact-checking. Encourage your team to communicate if they encounter obstacles that may affect their ability to meet a deadline, so you can offer support or adjust expectations as necessary.

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4 Communicate Clearly

Effective communication is the glue that holds a news team together. When delegating tasks, be clear about what is expected, but also be open to input from your team members. They may have insights into the story or its logistics that could influence how it should be approached. Regular check-ins can keep everyone on track and foster a collaborative environment where ideas and strategies are freely shared. Remember, your role is not just to assign tasks but to guide your team through the process of bringing a story to life.

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5 Monitor Progress

As stories develop, it's important to monitor progress to ensure that coverage is on track and standards are being met. This doesn't mean micromanaging—trust your team to do their jobs—but be available to address challenges as they arise. Offer constructive feedback and celebrate successes to motivate your team. Monitoring progress also allows you to anticipate potential issues and pivot strategies when necessary, maintaining the flow of accurate and timely news.

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6 Adapt Quickly

The news landscape is dynamic, and situations can change rapidly. Being able to adapt quickly is crucial for effective news coverage. Encourage your team to be flexible and ready to shift focus when a more pressing story emerges. This agility allows your newsroom to stay ahead of the curve and provide coverage that is not only timely but also relevant and informative for your audience. It's your job to create an environment where adaptability is part of the culture and every team member is prepared for unexpected turns.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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You're overseeing a news team. How can you delegate tasks for accurate and timely news coverage?

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1 Assess Skills

2 Prioritize Tasks

3 Set Deadlines

4 Communicate Clearly

5 Monitor Progress

6 Adapt Quickly

7 Here’s what else to consider

Journalism

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