Assistant Editor: Crafting Impactful Print Journalism for a Modern Newsroom

Assistant Editor:  A senior role in today’s evolving newsroom demands a blend of traditional editorial judgment and an agile understanding of digital storytelling. The position of Assistant Editor, Print Edition embodies this balance, shaping high-quality newspaper pages while drawing from the fast-moving digital news cycle. This role requires the ability to translate online coverage into compelling print content, ensuring each page reflects accuracy, clarity, and strong narrative flow. Whether transforming multiple live updates into a cohesive news wrap or distilling an in-depth interview into a sharp front-page treatment, the role centres on editorial precision and creative thinking.

Shaping High-Value News Pages
The Assistant Editor, Print Edition is entrusted with ownership of essential news pages, repurposing online reporting into visually engaging print formats. This involves selecting the strongest images, adapting digital visuals for print, and ensuring each element elevates the storytelling. By collaborating with the Print Editor on running orders, the role helps define the rhythm and tone of the newspaper. From major political developments to cultural conversations, the editor must navigate a wide range of topics with fluency and confidence.

Transforming Digital Content for Print Readers
A core responsibility is drawing from the digital content management system, liveblogs, wire services, and partner sites to determine what deserves placement in print. This requires strong editorial judgment, a clear understanding of reader expectations, and an ability to refine pre-edited text. The role includes reviewing style, ensuring accuracy, and making revisions where needed to enhance clarity and cohesiveness. Close collaboration with production leads ensures a smooth copyflow, allowing the team to maintain accuracy under tight deadlines.

Driving Page Design and Visual Strategy
Working with page designers, the Assistant Editor conceptualises layouts and helps bring visual ideas to life. This includes guiding the adaptation of digital graphics and selecting images that provide emotional and contextual impact. Design decisions must balance creativity with readability, ensuring each page aligns with the newspaper’s visual identity while capturing audience attention.

Aligning Print Decisions with Digital Insights
Modern print editions benefit significantly from insights gathered through digital performance metrics. The Assistant Editor uses these insights to guide story prioritisation, refine headline selection, and enhance audience relevance. Writing crisp, engaging headlines is essential, and the role demands the ability to produce clean, accurate, and compelling copy swiftly. A vigilant awareness of legal sensitivities ensures each page adheres to newsroom standards and regulatory expectations.

Leadership, Collaboration, and Editorial Judgment
The role requires experienced newsroom leadership, including the ability to support and manage teams while maintaining high editorial standards. When necessary, the Assistant Editor steps in to lead the print edition, ensuring continuity and efficiency. Strong communication with writers, commissioning editors, and digital publishing teams fosters reliable content accuracy and legal integrity. Meeting production deadlines is non-negotiable, and the ability to perform under pressure defines success in this environment.

Growth, Support, and Inclusive Culture
Telegraph Media Group offers a dynamic workplace supported by extensive professional development options. Through The Academy, employees can expand both technical and creative skills, fostering long-term career growth. The organisation prioritises flexibility, well-being, and a balanced lifestyle, offering benefits such as medical coverage, parental leave, and tailored personal support. A deep commitment to inclusion ensures equal opportunities for candidates from diverse backgrounds, maintaining a workplace grounded in respect, representation, and belonging.