📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Reporter - Live Blog, MSNBC Digital
🔹 Company: NBCUniversal
🔹 Location: New York, NY or Washington, D.C.
🔹 Job Type: Full-time
🔹 Category: Journalism
🔹 Date Posted: July 28, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Writing for a live blog focused on political news and breaking stories
- Collaborating with editorial and platform teams to optimize reader engagement
- Expanding live blog entries into larger standalone articles
- Working in a fast-paced newsroom environment
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of political news and the ability to work quickly and accurately under tight deadlines.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Write a continual stream of concise and compelling entries for the live blog
✅ Expand live blog entries into larger standalone articles as needed
✅ Collaborate across editorial and platform teams to optimize reader engagement
✅ Read widely and stay abreast of the competition
✅ Work together as part of a team to coordinate coverage across shifts and key news events
✅ Work with reporters and producers across the newsroom who may want to contribute to the live blog or have tips/information for the blog
ASSUMPTION: The role may require working flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays, to cover breaking news.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent years of relevant working experience
Experience: 5+ years working in a newsroom environment, 2+ years working in a strictly digital shop
Required Skills:
- Excellent news judgment
- Deep understanding of journalistic standards and MSNBC's tone and editorial values
- Superb writing skills and clean, accurate copy
- Keen understanding of political narratives and key players
- Proven track record of thriving in a fast-tempo newsroom
Preferred Skills:
- Experience working on a live blog
- Experience working in breaking news and political news
ASSUMPTION: A strong portfolio of published work may be beneficial for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $90,000 - $110,000
Benefits:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k)
- Paid leave
- Tuition reimbursement
- Variety of other discounts and perks
Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with potential flexibility for breaking news
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a reporter role with similar experience requirements.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Entertainment Providers
Company Size: 10,001+ employees
Founded: NBCUniversal was founded in 2004, following the acquisition of Universal Studios by General Electric.
Company Description:
- NBCUniversal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies
- Owns and operates leading entertainment and news brands, including NBC, MSNBC, CNBC, NBC Sports, Telemundo, NBC Local Stations, Bravo, USA Network, and Peacock
- Produces and distributes premier filmed entertainment and programming through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group and Universal Studio Group
Company Specialties:
- Television and film production and distribution
- News and entertainment broadcasting
- Theme parks and attractions
Company Website: NBCUniversal.com
ASSUMPTION: NBCUniversal is a large, well-established company with a diverse range of brands and a significant global presence.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level
Reporting Structure: This role will report to the Live Blog Editor or a similar position
Work Arrangement: On-site, with potential flexibility for breaking news
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to expand responsibilities based on performance and company needs
- Opportunities to work on high-profile stories and events
- Possibility to transition to Versant, a new publicly traded company, following its expected completion in 2025
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for career growth within NBCUniversal and potentially within Versant following its formation.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Corporate office environment
Office Location(s): 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10111, USA
Geographic Context:
- New York, NY: Diverse and vibrant city with a strong media industry presence
- Washington, D.C.: Hub for political news and activity
Work Schedule: Typical work hours are 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. or 1 p.m. to 10 p.m., with potential flexibility for breaking news
ASSUMPTION: The work environment may be fast-paced and demanding, with a focus on quick turnaround times and accurate reporting.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Resume screening
- Phone or video interview
- In-person interview at an NBCUniversal location
- Background check and offer
Key Assessment Areas:
- Writing skills and news judgment
- Understanding of political news and MSNBC's editorial values
- Ability to work quickly and accurately under tight deadlines
- Cultural fit and teamwork
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant experience and skills in your resume
- Tailor your cover letter to demonstrate your understanding of the role and company
- Prepare examples of your writing and be ready to discuss your news judgment and editorial values
ATS Keywords: Live blog, political news, breaking news, writing skills, news judgment, MSNBC, NBCUniversal
ASSUMPTION: The application process may take several weeks, depending on the volume of applicants and the company's hiring timeline.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Content management systems (CMS)
- Newsroom software (e.g., iNews, ENPS)
- Social media platforms
- Search engines and news aggregators
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies used may vary depending on the company's needs and the role's requirements.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Inclusive culture
- High-quality content creation
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Innovation and creativity
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and demanding
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Focused on quick turnaround times and accurate reporting
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment?
- Are you comfortable working with tight deadlines and breaking news?
- Do you align with NBCUniversal's company values and editorial standards?
ASSUMPTION: Cultural fit is important for this role, as it requires working closely with a team and adhering to the company's editorial values.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Working long hours and weekends to cover breaking news
- Managing multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously
- Adapting to a fast-paced and ever-changing news environment
- Meeting high editorial standards and expectations
ASSUMPTION: These challenges may vary depending on the specific news cycle and the company's needs.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is focused on live blogging and breaking news, unlike traditional reporting roles that may have more focus on in-depth investigative work or feature stories
- Political news experience is highly valued for this role, as it requires a deep understanding of political narratives and key players
- Career progression may involve moving into a senior reporting role, managing a team, or transitioning to a related role within NBCUniversal or Versant
ASSUMPTION: This role offers unique opportunities and challenges compared to similar roles in the industry.
📝 Sample Projects
- Covering a major political event or news conference live
- Expanding a live blog entry into a larger standalone article
- Collaborating with other reporters and producers to coordinate coverage across shifts and key news events
ASSUMPTION: These projects may vary depending on the specific news cycle and the company's needs.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How would you describe the work environment and team dynamics for this role?
- What are the most important qualities you're looking for in a candidate for this position?
- How does this role fit into the broader organization and company goals?
- What opportunities are there for growth and development within this role and the company?
- How does the company support work-life balance for employees in this role?
ASSUMPTION: These questions may help you better understand the role, the company, and the team you'll be working with.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills
- Prepare examples of your writing and be ready to discuss your news judgment and editorial values
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
