Reporter/Host

Gondola; Pittsburgh, Northern (Allegheny County, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical & dental coverage

Pre-Tax Health Savings/FSAs

401(k) with company match

Paid parental leave

Paid time off (160 hours/yr)

Volunteer time & discounts

Job summary

NESN, owner of SportsNet Pittsburgh, seeks a rinkside reporter, studio host and podcast co-host to deliver live reporting, exclusive interviews, and storytelling for Penguins coverage, with NHL off-season duties for Pirates coverage. You will travel with the team, cover practices and events, and contribute to digital platforms.

We value 3-5+ years of on-air sports reporting, hockey and MLB knowledge, exceptional interviewing, and strong storytelling ability within a fast-paced production

Qualifications

• 3-5+ years of experience in television sports reporting or related on-air role.
• Demonstrated knowledge of hockey and the NHL, with engaging game-action storytelling.
• Demonstrated knowledge of baseball and MLB, with professional event coverage.
• Exceptional interviewing and storytelling skills with strong on-air presence.
• Willingness to travel extensively and work evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Report live from rinkside during Penguins broadcasts with timely updates and context.
• Conduct live and recorded interviews with players, coaches, and staff.
• Collaborate with producers and talent to identify compelling storylines.
• Develop feature stories and human-interest content for broadcast and digital.
• Contribute to pregame, intermission, and postgame programming as needed.
• Co-host Penguins and Pirates podcasts and participate in production planning.
• Cover practices, press conferences, and team events for multiple platforms.
• Research teams, players, league developments, and emerging storylines.
• Represent NESN professionally and build relationships with fans and personnel.
• Create timely content for digital and social platforms; participate in events.

Skills

Sports reporting

On-air interviewing

Live reporting

Storytelling

Travel willingness

Job description

At SportsNet Pittsburgh, we're passionate about bringing fans closer to the teams they love. As our next rinkside reporter, studio host and podcast co-host, you'll be at the center of Pittsburgh Penguins coverage, delivering live reporting, exclusive interviews, and behind‑the‑scenes storytelling that enhances each broadcast and brings fans closer to their team. You’ll also perform equivalent roles (with lesser frequency) during the NHL offseason within our Pittsburgh Pirates MLB coverage.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Report live from rinkside during Pittsburgh Penguins broadcasts, providing timely updates, observations, and context throughout the game.
• Conduct live and recorded interviews with players, coaches, and other team personnel before, during, and after games.
• Collaborate with producers, on-air talent and the production team to identify compelling storylines and deliver informative, engaging coverage.
• Develop and produce feature stories and human-interest content that highlight the personalities, journeys and moments that define the team throughout the season.
• Contribute to pregame, intermission, and postgame programming through reporting, analysis and hosting responsibilities as needed.
• Co-host and contribute to production planning of the Penguins-themed Get Me The Brandy video podcast and/or Pirates-themed Bucs Bounty video podcast as assigned.
• Cover practices, media availabilities, press conferences, and team events, creating content for broadcast, streaming and digital platforms.
• Research teams, players, league developments, and emerging storylines to support informed and insightful reporting.
• Represent SportsNet Pittsburgh professionally while building strong working relationships with players, coaches, league personnel, and fans.
• Contribute to SportsNet Pittsburgh's digital and social media platforms by creating timely, engaging content that extends the broadcast experience.
• Participate in promotional appearances, sponsor activations, and community events as needed.
• Travel with the team throughout the season to provide comprehensive road game coverage.
• Execute Pittsburgh Pirates sideline reporter, studio host and podcast host duties as reasonably assigned during the NHL offseason.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

• 3-5+ years of experience in television sports reporting, broadcast journalism or a related on-air role.
• Demonstrated knowledge of hockey and the NHL, with the ability to communicate game action, strategy and storylines in an engaging and accessible manner.
• Demonstrated knowledge of baseball and MLB, with the ability to communicate game events and storylines in a professional manner.
• Exceptional interviewing and storytelling skills, with the ability to build rapport and deliver thoughtful, compelling conversations in live environments.
• Strong on-camera presence with excellent communication skills and confidence under pressure.
• Ability to think quickly, adapt to changing situations, and deliver accurate reporting in a fast-paced live production setting.
• Experience conducting live interviews and reporting from the field or venue.
• Strong research skills and editorial judgment with a commitment to accuracy and preparation.
• Experience covering professional sports is preferred; NHL or hockey-specific reporting experience is highly desirable.
• Willingness to travel extensively and work evenings, weekends, and holidays in accordance with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Pittsburgh Pirates schedules.
• A genuine passion for sports storytelling and a commitment to creating exceptional experiences for Penguins and Pirates fans.
• Knowledge of and experience with the Pittsburgh area a plus.

Some of the benefits we provide include

• Medical and Dental plans which are currently funded by NESN at approximately 85%
• Pre-Tax HSA, FSA and Dependent Care Account
• 401(k) plan with employer match of 100% up to the first 6% of compensation, 3% contribution through Safe Harbor and discretionary profit sharing of up to 6%.
• Life Insurance, AD&D, Short and Long-Term Disability which are currently 100% funded by NESN
• Paid parental leave
• Time Off Benefits - Eligible NESN Employees accrue Paid Time Off equaling 160 hours or 20 days for the full year
• Team Store Discounts - Employees will receive a discount of 50% at the Red Sox Team Store and 25% off at the Bruins Pro Shop with a valid NESN Employee ID
• Paid Volunteerism - NESN provides eligible employees with up to 24 hours (3 days) of paid time to participate in NESN Connects events.
• Tuition Reimbursement - NESN provides a generous Tuition Reimbursement Program to assist employees who aspire to further their education to learn & grow within their careers.
• MBTA Reimbursement - Eligible employees may be reimbursed up to $100 per month for the use of Mass Transit if it is their primary mode of transportation to & from work
• Travel Assistance & ID Theft Protection
• Estate Guidance - The Hartford helps employees protect their family’s future by creating a customized and legally binding will online using a simple but comprehensive online questionnaire.
• Additional Perks & Employee Discounts - As a NESN employee, you are eligible for other discounts & perks such as pet insurance, tickets, travel, dry cleaning, mobile phones, and much more!

The expected salary range for this position is $120,000 to $140,000 annually. The final offer will be determined by a variety of factors, including the candidate's experience, knowledge, skills, and internal equity.

We believe that when team members feel supported, they are more engaged, productive, and innovative. If you're looking for a workplace that celebrates people and their personal and professional growth, you've come to the right place.

Who We Are

NESN (New England Sports Network) is owned by Fenway Sports Group, which also owns the Boston Red Sox among other holdings, and Delaware North, owners of the Boston Bruins. NESN is delivered throughout the six-state New England region and nationally as NESN National. The definitive source for New England sports programming, NESN consistently has been one of the top-rated regional sports networks in the country, with a reputation for innovative and award-winning production of sports events and specials.

As of 2023, NESN manages SportsNet Pittsburgh, a newly branded regional sports network that televises Pittsburgh Penguins and Pirates games, as well as local college sports, original content and more in PA, WV, and portions of MD, OH and NY.

Our professional environment is passionate, adaptable, creative, and filled with aspiring individuals who are driven to grow with our company. Our core values are at the heart of who we are. We have a spontaneous and vibrant culture, and we truly believe in team spirit and collaboration.

Equal Opportunity Employer

NESN is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.