Reporter - Live Blog, MSNBC Digital

📌 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 & Media

🔹 Date Posted: July 28, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site (New York, NY or Washington, D.C.)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Writing for MSNBC Digital's live blog, focusing on political news and breaking stories
• Collaborating with editorial teams to optimize reader engagement
• Coordinating coverage across shifts and key news events
• Working in a fast-paced, competitive 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 ideal candidate will have excellent news judgment, a deep understanding of journalistic standards, and the ability to consistently uphold MSNBC's tone and editorial values.

🎯 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 writing skills
• Clean and 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: Candidates should have a strong portfolio of published work demonstrating their writing skills and news judgment.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $90,000 - $110,000

Benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid leave
• Tuition reimbursement

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with shifts starting at 7 a.m. or 1 p.m. and ending at 4 p.m. or 10 p.m. respectively. Willingness to adjust working hours in the event of breaking news.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a reporter role with similar experience and location 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's NBC.

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, 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
• Streaming services
• Theme parks and attractions

Company Website: NBCUniversal.com

ASSUMPTION: NBCUniversal is a large, well-established company with a diverse portfolio of media and entertainment brands.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level to senior reporter role

Reporting Structure: This role will report to the Live Blog Editor

Work Arrangement: On-site, with shifts starting at 7 a.m. or 1 p.m. and ending at 4 p.m. or 10 p.m. respectively. Willingness to adjust working hours in the event of breaking news.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to expand role as the live blog team grows
• Opportunities to contribute to other MSNBC Digital platforms
• Career progression within NBCUniversal's journalism division

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for growth and development within a large, established media organization.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Modern, collaborative newsroom environment

Office Location(s): 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10111 or 400 North Capitol St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

Geographic Context:

• New York, NY: Vibrant, multicultural city with a rich history in media and entertainment
• Washington, D.C.: Hub for political news and events

Work Schedule: 40 hours per week, with shifts starting at 7 a.m. or 1 p.m. and ending at 4 p.m. or 10 p.m. respectively. Willingness to adjust working hours in the event of breaking news.

ASSUMPTION: The location of this role offers unique opportunities to cover political news and breaking stories in real-time.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screen with the Hiring Manager
• In-person interview with the Live Blog Editor and other team members
• Final decision and offer

Key Assessment Areas:

• Writing skills and news judgment
• Understanding of political narratives and key players
• Ability to work quickly and accurately under tight deadlines
• Cultural fit with MSNBC and NBCUniversal

Application Tips:

• Highlight relevant experience and skills in your resume and cover letter
• Provide examples of your writing and how you've covered political news or breaking stories
• Demonstrate your understanding of MSNBC's tone and editorial values

ATS Keywords: Live blog, political news, breaking news, writing skills, news judgment, MSNBC, NBCUniversal

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is competitive, and candidates should highlight their relevant experience and skills to increase their chances of success.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Content Management System (CMS)
• Newsroom software (e.g., iNews, ENPS)
• Social media platforms (e.g., Twitter, Facebook)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with industry-standard newsroom software and social media platforms is expected for this role.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Innovation
• Quality
• Integrity

Work Style:

• Collaborative
• Fast-paced
• Results-driven

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative newsroom environment?
• Are you comfortable working with tight deadlines and breaking news?
• Do you align with MSNBC's tone and editorial values?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who are comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative newsroom environment and align with MSNBC's tone and editorial values will be a good fit for this role.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Working under tight deadlines and breaking news
• Keeping up with the fast-paced nature of the newsroom
• Maintaining objectivity and accuracy in reporting
• Adapting to changes in the news cycle and team dynamics

ASSUMPTION: These challenges are inherent to working in a fast-paced newsroom environment and require strong news judgment, adaptability, and resilience.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is unique in its focus on live blogging for MSNBC Digital
• Similar roles may include political reporters, breaking news reporters, or digital journalists
• Career progression may include roles such as senior reporter, editor, or producer

ASSUMPTION: This role offers unique opportunities for growth and development within a large, established media organization.

📝 Sample Projects

• Covering a political event or press conference live on the blog
• Expanding a live blog entry into a larger standalone article
• Collaborating with editorial teams to optimize reader engagement

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the key responsibilities and required skills for this role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does this role fit into the overall coverage strategy for MSNBC Digital?
• What are the most important priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
• How does the live blog team collaborate with other MSNBC Digital platforms and teams?
• What opportunities are there for growth and development within the live blog team and MSNBC Digital?
• How does the company support work-life balance for employees in this role?

ASSUMPTION: These questions demonstrate a candidate's interest in the role and its fit within the broader organization.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills
• Prepare examples of your writing and how you've covered political news or breaking stories
• 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.