Post job

News assistant vs managing editor

The differences between news assistants and managing editors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a news assistant and a managing editor. Additionally, a managing editor has an average salary of $89,060, which is higher than the $45,462 average annual salary of a news assistant.

The top three skills for a news assistant include assignment desk, video content and b-roll. The most important skills for a managing editor are web content, editorial content, and SEO.

News assistant vs managing editor overview

News AssistantManaging Editor
Yearly salary$45,462$89,060
Hourly rate$21.86$42.82
Growth rate-5%-5%
Number of jobs7,13016,781
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 82%Bachelor's Degree, 81%
Average age4444
Years of experience44

What does a news assistant do?

News assistants are professionals who are responsible for assisting editorial personnel in a broadcasting newsroom by compiling, dispensing, and filing news stories. These assistants must call people who are involved in news events to obtain more information or arrange for on-air interviews. They must assist in recording, editing, and playing back tapes of news stories using splicing machines and equipment to help columnists or commentators. News assistants must also work in control rooms to direct the presentation of news during the live broadcast.

What does a managing editor do?

Managing editors are individuals who coordinate and oversee the editorial activities of a publication. They administer the daily operations or a website or publication, such as generating ideas and planning and editing content. Their responsibilities include the recruitment, promotion, and firing of staff members. They even create and implement deadlines. Great managing editors are those who are updated on the latest trends and make informed decisions. They should also be equipped with skills in management and coaching.

News assistant vs managing editor salary

News assistants and managing editors have different pay scales, as shown below.

News AssistantManaging Editor
Average salary$45,462$89,060
Salary rangeBetween $33,000 And $62,000Between $59,000 And $132,000
Highest paying City-Washington, DC
Highest paying state-Connecticut
Best paying company-Federal Reserve Bank
Best paying industry-Media

Differences between news assistant and managing editor education

There are a few differences between a news assistant and a managing editor in terms of educational background:

News AssistantManaging Editor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 82%Bachelor's Degree, 81%
Most common majorJournalismJournalism
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityNorthwestern University

News assistant vs managing editor demographics

Here are the differences between news assistants' and managing editors' demographics:

News AssistantManaging Editor
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 41.3% Female, 58.7%Male, 46.6% Female, 53.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 3.5% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 7.1% White, 76.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%Black or African American, 3.5% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 7.1% White, 76.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage12%12%

Differences between news assistant and managing editor duties and responsibilities

News assistant example responsibilities.

  • Manage campaign performance through data analysis and reporting, with actionable takeaways per designate KPI.
  • Act as a stand-in onset for CNN's anchors and guests.
  • Shoot and edit video for CNN.
  • Log and review all clips for newscast
  • Report, film, and edit news stories for the KTSW website and YouTube channel.
  • Compose and proofread material for publication.
  • Show more

Managing editor example responsibilities.

  • Manage programs such as schedule overhaul, YouTube channel creation, and new blog site.
  • Manage editorial process: assigning stories to line-editing to HTML publishing/page placement.
  • Manage editorial departments: ensure timely receipt of copy and photos, including coordinating and overseeing all freelance and in-house submissions.
  • Edit and proofread submissions for weekly publication.
  • Proofread and edit articles for several UN publications.
  • Launch and create the first digital edition online and via iPad.
  • Show more

News assistant vs managing editor skills

Common news assistant skills
  • Assignment Desk, 8%
  • Video Content, 8%
  • B-Roll, 7%
  • Facebook, 7%
  • Local News, 7%
  • News Coverage, 7%
Common managing editor skills
  • Web Content, 13%
  • Editorial Content, 10%
  • SEO, 7%
  • Editorial Calendar, 5%
  • Digital Content, 5%
  • Editor-In-Chief, 4%

Browse arts, entertainment, sports, and media jobs