KPBS News Editor in San Diego

KPBS News Editor

The salary range for this position is $7,500 - $8,750 per month ($90,000 - $105,000 per year) depending upon qualifications and is non-negotiable.

Cover letter is required.

The job posting for this position is scheduled to close on 7/23/26 at 4:00pm (PST).

KPBS serves the greater San Diego community with informative, cultural, entertaining and educational television, radio, and digital programming. KPBS TV/FM is the public television and radio station for San Diego. Licensed to San Diego State University, KPBS supports and furthers the university's educational and community service mission by informing, enlightening and empowering its audience. It does so not only by presenting national and locally produced programming of value to its San Diego audience, but also by producing programming about San Diego and its people for distribution nationwide.

Perks you'll enjoy as a member of #teamKPBS

• Working on a college campus & in public media:
  Access to campus facilities and staff perks, weekly farmer's market, tons of eateries, community events, entertainment, etc.
• Hybrid schedule/ remote work flexibility options (varies by position)
• 24 vacation days, 1 personal day & 13 holidays off (4+ days off over winter break)
• Enjoy a 'beautiful day in the neighborhood' with local employee discounts
• Opportunity drawings to attend SDSU basketball games, local concerts and events
• Discounts on local attractions (theme parks, entertainment, restaurants, memberships)
• Free wellness classes & programs
• Staff pop-up events
• Full benefits packages that are unmatched (medical, dental, vision, life)
• Sick leave accruals and paid leave options
• On-site childcare at a discounted rate (based on availability)
• Opportunities for continued learning and professional development
• Flexible spending account(s)
• Employee assistance program
• Matching and voluntary retirement savings plan

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Managing Editor, the News Editor coaches, guides and directs a team of reporters on both daily and long-term assignments. This role manages, edits, assigns and reviews day-to-day news coverage across radio, TV and digital platforms, and coordinates coverage needs with other editors and producers. With support and oversight from the Managing Editor and News Director, the News Editor also provides input and assistance on projects under their purview.

The News Editor is responsible for ensuring that coverage prioritizes accountability reporting, people-centered storytelling, and a mix of thought-provoking stories and fresh explainers that broaden audience understanding. KPBS is committed to delivering high-quality, in-depth local news and analysis across all platforms. The mission of the news division is to provide fair accurate reporting on the people and issues that matter to San Diego and Imperial County communities.

The News Editor plays a critical role in advancing this mission by supervising reporters and elevating the quality of their stories.

Leadership & Supervision (50%)

• Works with reporters to develop story ideas that cover issues of importance in the lives of audience members, including people-centered stories, lively explainers that dissect the why or how behind the news or a trend, and breaking news.
• Provide effective leadership in alignment with KPBS expectations and practices as well as SDSURF and SDSU policies.
• Coaches, guides and directs reporters and engages in regular air checks and feedback sessions.
• Ensures writing is focused, conversational, and accurate.
• Ensures that reporter beat memos are updated at least weekly.
• Ensures that coverage plans are reviewed at least twice per year.
• Encourages pitches, provides guidance to refine them, and carefully decides to move forward on the ones that best align with the KPBS news mission.
• Maintains ongoing and collaborative relationships with various KPBS department leaders and the local community.
• Contributes to daily news meetings and ensures KPBS is covering the top stories daily. In the absence of the News Director and/or Managing Editor, may lead meetings as assigned.

• Coaches reporters to write using a conversational style in their own voices for broadcast stories…