Counsel, News

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.

The Position  

The Counsel, News, will serve as a media lawyer to the Versant News Group properties (MSNBC, CNBC and E! News), primarily on issues of newsgathering, broadcast and publication, and intellectual property. This is a unique opportunity to help build the news legal function for a newly formed media company 

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

• Advise News journalists working across a broad range of platforms, including linear television, streaming, digital, social, and podcasts, in support of a broad range of news content, including daily news programming and digital reporting, specials, investigative and breaking news, commentary, documentaries, entertainment and lifestyle, and unscripted programming
• Conduct pre-broadcast and pre-publication review
• Advise on newsgathering and access issues
• Counsel on copyright and other intellectual property matters; negotiate and settle pre-litigation copyright claims
• Respond to pre- and post-publication threats and challenges
• Respond to subpoenas and other third-party requests for information
• Draft and deliver newsroom legal training and guidelines
• Provide production legal support, including drafting releases and location agreements 
• Advise on legal and regulatory issues related to, among other topics, sponsored editorial content, issue and political advertising, and elections
• Review promotional and marketing materials 
• Partner with Standards on upholding policies that protect our integrity, accuracy and independence 
• Craft and deliver legal training for the newsroom
• Monitor domestic and international legal developments affecting the press, freedom of speech, and publication
• Partner with specialist lawyers across Versant’s Legal Department, including on News -related litigation
• Mentor and support News lawyers; contribute to an inclusive, collaborative team culture; demonstrate leadership; and take initiative to deliver value and support the production and distribution of the highest quality news content in the industry

The Person 

• Minimum of 4 years of legal experience advising news clients on content and intellectual property issues 
• Demonstrated ability to counsel journalists in a fast-paced environment, partner with journalists to deliver compelling, diverse and visually-engaging stories and give clear, succinct, and practical legal advice that enables broadcast or publication
• Management experience 
• Law degree from an ABA-accredited law school. Member in good standing of the State Bar of New York or another State Bar and registered as in-house counsel 
• Decisive practitioner; skilled at explaining complex legal issues in a straightforward manner
• Strong knowledge of media law and ethics 
• Demonstrated passion for news and press freedom
• High level of integrity and professionalism
• Superior writing, critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills

Additional Requirements

• Hybrid: This position has been designated as hybrid, generally contributing from the office a minimum of three days per week. Subject to change based on Manager discussion or business need.
• 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: $140,000 - $170,000 (bonus and long-term incentive eligible)

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].

Although you'll be hired as an NBCU employee, your employment and the responsibilities associated with this job likely will transition to Versant in the future. By joining at this pivotal time, you'll be a part of this exciting company as it takes shape.