OPT News Editor Jobs
News Editor jobs on OPT require employers willing to sponsor or maintain your F-1 work authorization, which runs 12 months for most graduates and up to 36 months for STEM-adjacent fields. Newsroom roles often involve tight deadlines, editorial judgment, and cross-functional collaboration, all of which you can demonstrate during your OPT period.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
ABC7 Los Angeles is looking for an exceptional producer and newsroom leader to take the reins of a top-rated newscast in one of the most competitive and dynamic news markets in the country.
We’re looking for a producer who starts every day asking, “How can we make today’s show better than yesterday’s?” We’re not looking for someone who simply stacks a rundown.
The ideal candidate is a passionate storyteller with endless curiosity, a constant stream of ideas, and an obsession with creating compelling, memorable shows. They thrive on breaking news but are equally energized by finding new ways to tell stories, connect with audiences, and elevate every segment, every day.
At ABC7, you’ll have the opportunity to produce with a brand-new, state-of-the-art studio designed to reinvent how local news is presented. We want producers who are excited to maximize every inch of our set, leverage cutting-edge production tools, and collaborate across departments to create shows that look and feel different from anything else in the market.
From breaking news and major weather events to the uniquely Southern California stories that define our communities, you’ll lead coverage that informs, connects, and inspires and work alongside an award-winning team of journalists.
If you’re an outstanding writer, a decisive leader, a creative thinker, and someone who is never satisfied with “good enough”, this is your opportunity to make an impact at Southern California’s news leader.
This role is considered on-site, which means the employee will work from a Company-designated location on an ongoing basis.
Responsibilities:
- Manage and produce all elements of a linear newscast.
- Lead the way on live breaking news and event coverage.
- Actively participate in editorial planning and pitch stories daily.
- Fill in producing other newscasts as needed on all platforms.
- Willing to experiment with new technology.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Minimum 3 years of local TV newscast producing experience.
- Must be a self-starter, have great news judgement, thrive on breaking news and deadline pressure.
- Excellent writing skills with the ability to write clearly, accurately, and efficiently under tight deadlines.
- Organized, collaborative and good at managing people and resources.
- Must have an eye for impact, relevance and moments that connect with viewers.
- Effectively use social media to gather and distribute news.
- Must be willing and available to work a flexible schedule, including early mornings, nights, and holidays, and occasionally fill in as Executive Producer as needed.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Knowledge of Dalet, Ross XPression and desktop editing.
REQUIRED EDUCATION:
- Bachelor’s degree
COMPENSATION
- The pay rate for this role in Glendale, CA is $24.50 to $42.50 per hour. The base pay actually offered may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, among other factors. Select benefits may be provided as part of the compensation package, such as medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered. To learn more about our benefits visit: https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits.
INTRODUCTION
ABC7 Los Angeles is looking for an exceptional producer and newsroom leader to take the reins of a top-rated newscast in one of the most competitive and dynamic news markets in the country.
We’re looking for a producer who starts every day asking, “How can we make today’s show better than yesterday’s?” We’re not looking for someone who simply stacks a rundown.
The ideal candidate is a passionate storyteller with endless curiosity, a constant stream of ideas, and an obsession with creating compelling, memorable shows. They thrive on breaking news but are equally energized by finding new ways to tell stories, connect with audiences, and elevate every segment, every day.
At ABC7, you’ll have the opportunity to produce with a brand-new, state-of-the-art studio designed to reinvent how local news is presented. We want producers who are excited to maximize every inch of our set, leverage cutting-edge production tools, and collaborate across departments to create shows that look and feel different from anything else in the market.
From breaking news and major weather events to the uniquely Southern California stories that define our communities, you’ll lead coverage that informs, connects, and inspires and work alongside an award-winning team of journalists.
If you’re an outstanding writer, a decisive leader, a creative thinker, and someone who is never satisfied with “good enough”, this is your opportunity to make an impact at Southern California’s news leader.
This role is considered on-site, which means the employee will work from a Company-designated location on an ongoing basis.
Responsibilities:
- Manage and produce all elements of a linear newscast.
- Lead the way on live breaking news and event coverage.
- Actively participate in editorial planning and pitch stories daily.
- Fill in producing other newscasts as needed on all platforms.
- Willing to experiment with new technology.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Minimum 3 years of local TV newscast producing experience.
- Must be a self-starter, have great news judgement, thrive on breaking news and deadline pressure.
- Excellent writing skills with the ability to write clearly, accurately, and efficiently under tight deadlines.
- Organized, collaborative and good at managing people and resources.
- Must have an eye for impact, relevance and moments that connect with viewers.
- Effectively use social media to gather and distribute news.
- Must be willing and available to work a flexible schedule, including early mornings, nights, and holidays, and occasionally fill in as Executive Producer as needed.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Knowledge of Dalet, Ross XPression and desktop editing.
REQUIRED EDUCATION:
- Bachelor’s degree
COMPENSATION
- The pay rate for this role in Glendale, CA is $24.50 to $42.50 per hour. The base pay actually offered may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, among other factors. Select benefits may be provided as part of the compensation package, such as medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered. To learn more about our benefits visit: https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a News Editor
Target news organizations with established OPT hiring
Large media companies, digital publishers, and broadcast networks are more likely to have HR infrastructure familiar with OPT. Smaller outlets may be open but need more guidance on the process, so come prepared to explain your work authorization clearly.
Emphasize your editorial specialization upfront
News Editors who cover a specific beat, politics, technology, finance, or health, are easier for employers to justify hiring on OPT. A specialized skill set reduces the friction of sponsorship because the role is harder to fill with a less experienced candidate.
Know your OPT end date and STEM eligibility before applying
Check whether your degree qualifies for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Journalism and communications degrees typically do not qualify, so being honest about your timeline with employers prevents surprises late in the hiring process.
Raise H-1B sponsorship early, not after the offer
News editors are specialty occupation roles with a degree requirement, which generally qualifies for H-1B visa. Asking about long-term sponsorship during the interview process signals professionalism and saves both sides from investing in a path that cannot continue.
Build a portfolio that travels across formats
Editors who can show published work across text, audio, video, and social formats are more attractive to digital-first newsrooms. A strong cross-format portfolio demonstrates adaptability and reduces the perceived risk of hiring someone on a time-limited authorization.
Use Migrate Mate to find OPT-friendly news editor roles
Migrate Mate surfaces News Editor jobs from employers with a documented history of sponsoring work visas. Filtering by OPT compatibility saves time and helps you focus applications on organizations that already understand the process.
News Editor OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a News Editor role qualify for OPT work authorization?
Yes, as long as the position is directly related to your field of study. A journalism, communications, English, or media studies degree typically establishes that connection. If your degree is in a different field, you'll need to document how your coursework is relevant to the editorial role, since USCIS requires a clear relationship between your degree and your job.
Can I work as a News Editor on STEM OPT extension?
Only if your qualifying STEM degree is directly related to the role. Most journalism and communications programs are not on the STEM Designated Degree Program List, so graduates of those programs are generally limited to 12 months of OPT. If you hold a STEM degree, say, a data journalism or computer science background, and the News Editor role involves substantial technical work, the extension may apply, but confirm with your DSO before assuming eligibility.
Will news organizations sponsor an H-1B for a News Editor after OPT ends?
Many do, particularly larger media companies and well-funded digital newsrooms. News Editor is widely accepted as a specialty occupation under H-1B because the role requires a bachelor's degree in a specific field. However, sponsorship decisions depend on the employer's budget, legal resources, and how critical the hire is to their operation. Clarifying this before accepting an offer is important if you're relying on continued work authorization.
Where can I find News Editor jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is the most direct option for F-1 OPT students. The platform filters News Editor listings by sponsorship history, so you can prioritize employers who have hired international candidates before. This matters because even if a job posting doesn't mention visa requirements, applying to organizations already familiar with the OPT and H-1B process dramatically increases your chances of moving forward.
What counts as a qualifying job for OPT in a News Editor role?
The position must be at least 20 hours per week and directly related to your degree. Contract, freelance, and part-time arrangements can qualify under pre-completion OPT, but post-completion OPT requires at least 20 hours weekly. Volunteer and unpaid positions may count toward OPT but won't satisfy most visa maintenance requirements. Full-time staff roles at news organizations are the cleanest fit, and you must report any employer change to your DSO within 10 days.