Production assistant news - news

Company Description

NBCUniversal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies. We create world-class content, which we distribute across our portfolio of film, television, and streaming, and bring to life through our theme parks and consumer experiences. We own and operate leading entertainment and news brands, including NBC, NBC News, MSNBC, CNBC, NBC Sports, Telemundo, NBC Local Stations, Bravo, USA Network, and Peacock, our premium ad-supported streaming service. We produce and distribute premier filmed entertainment and programming through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group and Universal Studio Group, and have world-renowned theme parks and attractions through Universal Destinations & Experiences. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.

Our impact is rooted in improving the communities where our employees, customers, and audiences live and work. We have a rich tradition of giving back and ensuring our employees have the opportunity to serve their communities. We champion an inclusive culture and strive to attract and develop a talented workforce to create and deliver a wide range of content reflecting our world.

Comcast NBCUniversal has announced its intent to create a new publicly traded company ('Versant') comprised of most of NBCUniversal's cable television networks, including USA Network, CNBC, MSNBC, Oxygen, E!, SYFY and Golf Channel along with complementary digital assets Fandango, Rotten Tomatoes, GolfNow, GolfPass, and SportsEngine. The well-capitalized company will have significant scale as a pure-play set of assets anchored by leading news, sports and entertainment content. The spin-off is expected to be completed during 2025.

Job Description

The NBC News Breaking News Specials team is seeking a Production Assistant to support the team during overnight breaking news coverage on weekends and Early Today weekdays. You’ll work closely with the Senior Producer and Line Producer to ensure all production elements are in place for seamless live broadcasts during major news events. We are looking for production assistants who are passionate about journalism, and thrive in a fast-paced, quickly changing and deadline driven team environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist with multiple aspects of production including: compiling research for production team and talent, creating graphics and lower thirds during breaking news and special coverage, sourcing and transcribing video
• Research and compile visual elements for air
• Help monitor social media and web for any breaking news or long-term news stories
• Work closely with other members of breaking news team to research, select, and locate required footage for broadcast
• Support the production team in the control room during live broadcasts
• Build and manage elements including but not limited to graphics and video elements for on-air use
• Work with automated systems to support shows as needed, including building rundowns, segments and writing intros to packages / other taped elements
• Collaborate with Senior Producers and the Specials team to anticipate resources needed for major-event coverage
• Troubleshoot technical or logistical issues in real time to minimize on-air disruptions
• Partner with technical, graphics, audio, and talent departments to maintain top-tier production quality
• Produce live cut-ins, breaking news specials, and additional content as needed
• Assist show production team in the control room and studio during the broadcast
• Work closely with Producers and other members of the show team to find and edit the best video, sound and graphics for assigned stories
• Keep a constant eye on show rundowns to make sure video and graphics are in place, accurate and current
• Help research and fact check stories with speed and accuracy
• Proficiency with automated control-room systems and rundown tools—or clear aptitude to learn them quickly
  
  

Qualifications

• At least 1 year of news production experience or internship-related experience at the network or cable news level
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, Journalism, English, History or a related field of study
• Strong news judgment and a keen interest in national and international news
• Proficiency with automated control room systems and rundown tools—or clear aptitude to learn them quickly
• Must maintain strong awareness of current events and proactively respond to emerging news stories as needed
• Adhere to NBC News standards and practices
• Self-starter who has demonstrated strong knowledge and interest in news and current events
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
• Experience with NewsConnect, Avid Media Central, Avid Interplay, VizRT graphics, iNews, Slack and/or similar editing and editorial technological systems
• Long-term career aspirations to be in the production/editorial space
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Must be willing and able to work in person at 30 Rock on weekend overnights
  
  

Desired Qualifications

• Strong organizational skills and ability to handle logistics in a live-news environment
• Ability to remain calm and resourceful under pressure, with a proactive approach to challenges
• Excellent communication skills and ability to coordinate across diverse production units
• Collaborative team player dedicated to supporting editorial excellence
  
  

Additional Requirements

• Hybrid: This position has been designated as hybrid, generally contributing from the office a minimum of three days per week.
  
  

This position is eligible for company sponsored benefits, including medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k), paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and a variety of other discounts and perks. Learn more about the benefits offered by NBCUniversal by visiting the Benefits page of the Careers website. Salary range: $26/hr - $31/h

Additional Information

As part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview with an NBCUniversal employee at one of our locations prior to a hiring decision. NBCUniversal's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require support throughout the application and/or recruitment process as a result of your disability, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. You can submit your request to [email protected].