News Analyst Onboarding Checklist

News Analyst Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new News Analyst starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Media onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new News Analyst, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample News Analyst onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

News Analyst Onboarding Checklist

1. Introduction to company culture and values: The task involves providing a comprehensive overview of the company’s culture, values, and mission. This helps the news analyst understand the organization’s goals and align their work accordingly. Typically, the HR department or a designated company representative performs this task.

2. Familiarization with company policies and procedures: This task entails acquainting the news analyst with the company’s policies and procedures, including those related to ethics, confidentiality, social media usage, and professional conduct. The HR department or a designated compliance officer typically handles this task.

3. Introduction to the newsroom structure and hierarchy: The news analyst needs to understand the newsroom’s structure, including the roles and responsibilities of different team members, editors, producers, and executives. This task is usually performed by the newsroom manager or a senior editor.

4. Training on news analysis techniques and tools: To excel in their role, the news analyst should receive training on various news analysis techniques, tools, and software used in the industry. This training can be conducted by a senior news analyst or a designated training department.

5. Introduction to the company’s editorial guidelines: The news analyst must be familiarized with the company’s editorial guidelines, including standards for fact-checking, source verification, and unbiased reporting. This task is typically performed by the newsroom manager or a senior editor.

6. Shadowing experienced news analysts: To gain practical insights into the job, the new news analyst should have the opportunity to shadow experienced colleagues. This allows them to observe and learn from their peers’ work processes and techniques. The newsroom manager or a senior news analyst can facilitate this task.

7. Introduction to the company’s news sources and contacts: The news analyst should be provided with a list of the company’s trusted news sources, contacts, and industry experts. This helps them build a network of reliable sources and stay updated on relevant news. The newsroom manager or a designated research team can assist with this task.

8. Access to relevant databases and research tools: The news analyst needs access to databases, research tools, and subscriptions that provide reliable and up-to-date information. The IT department or a designated technology support team can ensure the analyst has the necessary access and training.

9. Collaboration with other departments: The news analyst should be introduced to other departments within the company, such as marketing, sales, and production, to foster collaboration and a better understanding of the overall media ecosystem. The newsroom manager or a designated liaison can facilitate this task.

10. Performance evaluation and feedback mechanisms: The news analyst should be informed about the company’s performance evaluation process and feedback mechanisms. This ensures they receive constructive feedback on their work and have a clear understanding of their performance expectations. The HR department or the newsroom manager typically handles this task.

11. Introduction to legal and copyright considerations: The news analyst should receive training on legal and copyright considerations related to news analysis, including fair use, attribution, and avoiding plagiarism. This task is typically performed by the newsroom manager or a designated legal team.

12. Introduction to industry trends and emerging technologies: To stay ahead in the rapidly evolving media industry, the news analyst should be provided with resources and training on industry trends and emerging technologies. This can be facilitated by the newsroom manager, industry experts, or through external training programs.

13. Introduction to the company’s audience and target demographics: The news analyst should be familiarized with the company’s target audience and demographics to better understand the content preferences and expectations of their readers or viewers. The marketing department or a designated audience research team can assist with this task.

14. Introduction to the company’s content management system: The news analyst needs to be trained on the company’s content management system (CMS) to effectively publish and manage their analysis. The IT department or a designated CMS administrator can provide the necessary training and support.

15. Introduction to crisis management protocols: The news analyst should be informed about the company’s crisis management protocols, including how to handle sensitive or controversial news stories and respond to public backlash. The newsroom manager or a designated crisis management team can handle this task.

16. Introduction to company-wide communication channels: The news analyst should be introduced to the company’s communication channels, such as internal messaging platforms, email lists, and team collaboration tools. This ensures effective communication and collaboration within the organization. The IT department or a designated communication team can assist with this task.

17. Introduction to company-sponsored training and development programs: The news analyst should be informed about any company-sponsored training and development programs that can enhance their skills and knowledge in news analysis. The HR department or a designated training department can provide information on available programs.

18. Introduction to company benefits and employee support programs: The news analyst should be provided with information on the company’s benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and employee support programs such as counseling or wellness initiatives. The HR department typically handles this task.

19. Introduction to company social events and networking opportunities: The news analyst should be informed about company social events and networking opportunities to foster relationships with colleagues and build a sense of community within the organization. The HR department or a designated social committee can handle this task.

20. Ongoing mentorship and support: The news analyst should be assigned a mentor or a designated point of contact who can provide ongoing support, guidance, and answer any questions they may have during their onboarding process and beyond. The newsroom manager or a senior news analyst can fulfill this role

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example News Analyst checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new News Analyst up to speed and working well in your Media team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.