Production Assistant, MS NOW The Briefing with Jen Psaki

VERSANT (Nasdaq: VSNT) is an industry-changing media and entertainment business and home to trusted brands that shape culture, inform audiences, and build lasting connections. It operates across four core markets: political news and opinion, business news and personal finance, golf, and sports and genre entertainment. These markets are served through a powerful portfolio of iconic and innovative brands, including CNBC, MS NOW, USA Network, Golf Channel, Oxygen, E!, SYFY, and Versant's sports division USA Sports, along with complementary digital assets including Fandango, Rotten Tomatoes, GolfNow and GolfPass. This position is represented by the Writers Guild of America East. MS NOW is seeking a highly organized, proactive, and editorially driven Production Assistant to join The Briefing with Jen Psaki, our weekday 9 PM primetime program. This role provides editorial, graphics, production, research, and administrative support to producers, anchors, and the control room to ensure the successful execution of live broadcasts. The ideal candidate is passionate about news and politics, thrives in a fast-paced newsroom, and is eager to contribute across all aspects of television production. This role requires strong editorial instincts, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to multitask under tight deadlines while supporting both broadcast and digital content. Key Responsibilities Editorial & Production Support Assist producers and anchors with the daily production of live and taped news programming. Research stories, verify facts, and compile background materials, briefing documents, and talking points for producers and anchors. Gather and communicate breaking news updates for use during live broadcasts. Prepare and distribute scripts, guest biographies, one-sheets, and other production materials. Monitor news wires, social media, and other sources to identify breaking news and emerging story opportunities. Pitch story ideas, guests, and editorial content that align with the show's priorities. Work on content for MS NOW's digital platforms, social media channels, and direct-to-consumer (DTC) products. Graphics & Control Room Order, build, coordinate, and track graphic elements for live broadcasts. Work closely with producers, graphics, and editorial teams to ensure all visual elements are accurate and ready for air. Research, source, and organize photos, video, and archival footage for broadcast. Assist in the control room during live programming by monitoring and executing assigned production elements. Provide day-to-day support by managing calendars, appearances, meetings, and schedules as needed. Coordinate travel arrangements, interviews, and production-related meetings. Prepare and process expense reports and other administrative documentation. Respond to correspondence and assist with general production operations. Perform additional production and administrative duties as assigned. Partner with producers, assignment editors, booking teams, graphics, research, digital, and technical operations to support daily broadcasts. Respond quickly to changing editorial priorities during breaking news and special event coverage. Ensure all editorial content maintains the highest standards of accuracy, fairness, and journalistic integrity. Additional duties can be assigned as the business evolves. Qualifications Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience. 1+ years of experience in television news, digital journalism, or a comparable newsroom environment. Strong research, writing, organizational, and communication skills. Demonstrated interest in U.S. politics, current events, and breaking news. Ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting tight deadlines in a fast-paced newsroom. Strong attention to detail and commitment to editorial accuracy. Preferred Qualifications Excellent knowledge of U.S. politics, history, government, and current events. Experience supporting live television production or newsroom operations. Familiarity with Avid MediaCentral/Interplay, iNews, Vizrt, and other newsroom production systems. Experience coordinating graphics, photos, and video elements for broadcast. Strong fact-checking and editorial research skills. Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills. Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a deadline-driven environment. Additional Requirements Must be willing to work in New York, NY. Must have unrestricted authorization to work in the United States. Must be willing and able to work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours as required by breaking news and special event coverage. Compensation & Benefits This position is eligible for company-sponsored benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) retirement savings plan, paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and a variety of additional employee programs and discounts. Salary Range: $31.25/hour - $32.00/hour As part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview with a VERSANT Media employee at one of our locations prior to a hiring decision. VERSANT Media'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] . VERSANT Media is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. We include a good faith pay range for each position to comply with applicable state and local pay transparency laws and to promote equity across our organization. Actual compensation will be based on factors such as the candidate's skills, qualifications, experience, and location and may include additional forms of compensation and benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, etc. VERSANT Media is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at VERSANT via-email, the Internet, or in any form and/or method without a valid written Statement of Work in place for this position from VERSANT's Talent Acquisition team will be deemed the sole property of VERSANT. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by VERSANT as a result of the referral or through other means.