Assigning editors are those who deal directly with reporters, as opposed to copy editors. An example would be a city editor who oversees coverage of the local community, including coverage of city hall, cops and local courts.

Since assignment editors deal directly with reporters, they are very concerned with the macro-editing aspects of any news story - in other words, the content of the story. Here's a checklist of things assignment editors should always watch for when editing any news story:

• Did the reporter double-check all names, titles and places mentioned in this story? Did the reporter properly check all phone numbers or Web addresses?
  
• Are the quotes accurate and properly attributed? Have we fully captured what each person meant?
  
• Is the story fair? Who or what might be missing from the story? Is the lede or nut graph sufficiently supported?
  
• Are there visual elements possible? Have they been assigned? Have you seen and approved the completed work?
  
• Are the background and context complete enough to tell readers why the story is relevant?
  
• Did the reporter sign off on changes made in the story?