I just use Bridge...  I created a template that fills in most of the necessary info, then:

Upload photos to the designated folder

Edit>Select All

Tools>Append Metadata>(click on your template name here)

Bridge does the rest.  When it's done, I fill in the Headline, Description and other "Assignment specific" data and save. Also adjust Headlines and Descriptions to individual photos as necessary. Easy peasy.

Now you don't have to go.

:-)

I think (hope!) this will detail much more than just IPTC data used for news submissions. There is enormous power in metadata when all the metadata traits are used effectively with good cataloging software. Ratings, labels, keywords, and location information become searchable items. I can search my catalog for specific venues, artists, band members, instruments, equipment makers, dates, ratings, color labels, etc and quickly narrow down potential images for client submissions. The rights fields are also very effective in managing licensing, determining whether a use is authorized, etc. Now that PLUS licensing is being rolled out to most of the major commercial software packages in the coming year, it will be even more effective.