Counsel/Sr. Counsel, NBCU News Group

NBCUniversal; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

NBCUniversal is seeking a Counsel/Sr. Counsel for its News legal team to provide media law support for platforms including Telemundo and NBC News. The ideal candidate will have at least 5-7 years of expertise in media law, strong Spanish fluency, and a passion for journalism and press freedom. This hybrid role offers competitive compensation and a host of employee benefits.

Benefits

Medical, dental and vision insurance

401(k) plan

Paid leave

Tuition reimbursement

Various discounts and perks

Qualifications

• 5+ years legal experience for Counsel, 7+ years for Sr. Counsel.
• Experience advising news clients on media law.
• Ability to provide clear legal advice in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Advise editorial leadership and journalists across various platforms.
• Conduct pre-broadcast and pre-publication reviews.
• Counsel on copyright, IP matters, and newsgathering issues.

Skills

Spanish-language fluency

Communication

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Education

Law degree

NY State Bar membership

Job description

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 NBCUniversal News legal team supports NBC News, MSNBC, CNBC, E! News, NBCU Local and Telemundo Network. The editorial lawyers work closely with journalists and editorial leadership to provide timely, practical, and strategic advice in support of our journalism and growing news business.

Telemundo produces and distributes premium Spanish-language news content to U.S. Hispanics and audiences around the world. Its flagship nightly news program isNoticias Telemundo. Telemundo Stations Group consists of 30 local television stations in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. It serves the largest Hispanic television markets in the country.

The Counsel or Sr. Counsel will serve as a news content and media lawyer to the News Group. The role is primarily dedicated to supporting the newsrooms of Telemundo Network and the Telemundo Station Group on Spanish-language content, with additional counseling for NBC News, MSNBC and CNBC.

Key Responsibilities:

• Advise editorial leadership and journalists working across platforms including linear television, streaming, digital, social and audio, in support of daily news programming, commentary, investigative reports, documentaries, entertainment and lifestyle, true crime, financial journalism, and unscripted programming
• Conduct pre-broadcast and pre-publication review
• Advise on newsgathering and access issues
• Counsel on copyright and other intellectual property matters
• Advise on, and respond to, pre- and post-publication threats and challenges
• Respond to subpoenas and other third-party requests for information
• Craft and deliver legal training for the newsroom
• Advise on legal and regulatory issues related to, among other topics, sponsored editorial content, e-commerce, and elections
• Implement and counsel on News Group policies that protect our integrity, accuracy and independence
• Monitor legal developments affecting the press and freedom of speech
• Partner with specialist lawyers across NBCUniversal’s Legal Department, including on news-related litigation
• Contribute to an inclusive, collaborative, and creative team culture

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

• Spanish-language fluency
• Law degree required
• Member in good standing of NY State Bar or registered as in-house counsel
• 5+ years for Counsel, or 7+ years for Sr. Counsel, of legal experience, including experience advising news clients on media law and publication issues

Desired Characteristics:

• Working knowledge of media law and ethics
• 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 and publication
• Passion for news and press freedom
• High level of integrity and professionalism
• Solid writing, analytical, and problem-solving skills

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 theBenefits pageof the Careers website. Salary range: $140,000 - $170,000 for Counsel / $165,000 - $200,000 for Sr. Counsel (bonus and long-term incentive eligible).

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 [e-mail].