Position: Desk Assistant
Overview:
NET-TV, New York's Catholic Station, is looking for an organized desk assistant who is creative and
has the drive to help take a multi-platform news department in the New York City area to the next
level. They will play a key role in assisting with the day-to-day newsgathering operation as well as
helping to foster relationships within the community to plan future coverage. The desk assistant will
work directly with the managing editor of newsgathering. They must have excellent news judgment
and be able to find the common thread that runs through both secular and religious news. This
position requires a candidate who is always up to date on current events, someone who can multi-
task, and someone who has critical thinking skills.
Responsibilities:
Assist in the management of daily assignments across several platforms, which include, print, TV,
and digital
Help to develop specific strategies to effectively cover the Diocese of Brooklyn and the
surrounding community
Generate topical and enterprise story ideas that are relevant to the target audience through beat
calls, monitoring social media, and staying in touch with key contacts
Organize and distribute a daily assignment sheet and run editorial meetings which include editors
and reporting staff in the managing editor's absence
Work closely with a group of editors, producers, reports
Help to foster relationships with various leaders, offices and agencies to build a strong list of
contacts
Monitor various news agencies and sources to ensure the organization remains competitive at all
times
Answer phones in a professional matter
Provide reporters and staff with information and research
Frequently gather elements for the development of the show
Background and Experience:
Minimum of one year working at an assignment desk
Degree in journalism or communications or relevant studies
Exceptional organizational, communication, and leadership skills
Strong and proven ability to multi-task and to work under deadlines
Excellent news judgment with ability to work with a group of print, digital, and television
reporters and photographers throughout the day
Proficient in social media and newsroom management systems
Basic knowledge of Catholic Church, teachings, and traditions
Multilingual skills are a plus
About DeSales Media Group:
DeSales Media Group is the non-profit communications and technology arm of the Diocese of
Brooklyn. Services include media relations and strategy, marketing and social media, ad sales,
educational support, video production, large events, and news content. DeSales Media Group
operates NET-TV, a cable television channel that reaches more than two million people in the New
York area. Its news group produces a nightly television program, two award-winning newspapers
(The Tablet and Nuestra Voz), and is growing its digital department, which produces original news
and informational content. We don't just cover our own backyard. We go where the news is
happening. Recently, our reporters traveled to Puerto Rico, Texas, Colombia, Rome, and Hong Kong,
Panama, and Ireland. The news department is the only outlet in the country to offer extensive live
coverage of papal trips and recently completed live coverage of World Youth Day in Panama, and
more than 40 hours of live in-depth reporting World Meeting of Families. DeSales Media is growing.
We will soon be moving into a new building, which includes a state-of-the-art newsroom and studio.
DeSales is looking for creative and experienced professionals who are motivated to make a
difference. The company offers competitive salaries, and many benefits including comprehensive
medical and dental benefits, paid time off, 403b, and company-funded pension.