TV Critic
The New York TimesThe mission of The New York Times is to seek the truth and help people understand the world. That means independent journalism is at the heart of all we do as a company. It’s why we have a world-renowned newsroom that sends journalists to report on the ground from nearly 160 countries. It’s why we focus deeply on how our readers will experience our journalism, from print to audio to a world-class digital and app destination. And it’s why our business strategy centers on making journalism so good that it’s worth paying for.
About the Role
The New York Times Culture desk aims to be the preeminent destination for television coverage. Through our reporting, criticism and service journalism, we publish illuminating and memorable pieces that offer trusted guidance to help people live fuller, more considered lives.
The Times is seeking a multifaceted critic with deep knowledge and expertise, a discerning eye and a lively writing style who can enrich readers' understanding and appreciation of television, streaming and video programming, including scripted, reality, documentary, news, talk shows and platforms like YouTube and TikTok. You should be able to write reviews, newsy essays and appraisals of notable people that speak to a national and global audience. You would remain aware of prevailing conversations around television and be prepared to weigh in for the Times when appropriate, whether on a pivotal scene in last night's episode of a scripted drama, real-world fallout from a reality show or some other event inspiring chatter online and elsewhere.
We are looking for someone who can make the world of TV accessible to general audiences while also producing criticism that engages and delights experts and aficionados. You will help readers learn about the most important series and content from around the world. And you will deepen their understanding of the leading performers, creators and craftspeople who bring television to life.
You should be a dynamic, digital-first writer who understands the national and global audience for TV criticism. You should be eager to embrace new story forms with strong visual, audio and video components. In addition to engaging with readers, you should be ready to employ different platforms, and enjoy collaborating with a large team of writers, editors, designers and producers across all disciplines and in other areas of the department and newsroom.
This is a hybrid position, and includes regular attendance in the office each week per your departmental guidance.
Responsibilities:
- Regularly write reviews on deadline.
- Write critic's notebooks, appraisals and other features, some based on the news and requiring a quick turnaround.
- Routinely use alternate story formats and multimedia as part of your work and criticism.
- Participate in audio and video storytelling, such as joining in podcasts and delivering criticism on camera.
- Be on top of emerging content and trends on digital video platforms like YouTube.
- Write service-oriented pieces that draw on your critical insights.
- During awards season, take part in conversations and other live coverage efforts as needed.
- Contribute to brainstorming meetings for TV and pop culture coverage.
- Demonstrate support and understanding of our value of journalistic independence and a strong commitment to our mission to seek the truth and help people understand the world.
- You will report to the TV Editor.
Basic Qualifications:
- 5+ years of journalism experience, including experience working as a television critic on deadline.
- Knowledge of contemporary television, networks, streaming and video platforms, and TV history.
- Demonstrated ability to cover everything from prestige dramas to reality shows, from documentaries to online video.
Preferred Qualifications:
- A passion for the mission and values of The Times.
- A lively writing style.
This position is represented by the NewsGuild of NY.
REQ-018888
The New York Times Company is committed to being the world’s best source of independent, reliable and quality journalism. To do so, we embrace a diverse workforce that has a broad range of backgrounds and experiences across our ranks, at all levels of the organization. We encourage people from all backgrounds to apply.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate on the basis of an individual's sex, age, race, color, creed, national origin, alienage, religion, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation or affectional preference, gender identity and expression, disability, genetic trait or predisposition, carrier status, citizenship, veteran or military status and other personal characteristics protected by law. All applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to legally protected characteristics. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)’s Know Your Rights Poster is available here.
The New York Times Company will provide reasonable accommodations as required by applicable federal, state, and/or local laws. Individuals seeking an accommodation for the application or interview process should email reasonable.accommodations@nytimes.com. Emails sent for unrelated issues, such as following up on an application, will not receive a response.
The Company will further consider qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable "Fair Chance" laws.
For information about The New York Times' privacy practices for job applicants click here.
Please beware of fraudulent job postings. Scammers may post fraudulent job opportunities, and they may even make fraudulent employment offers. This is done by bad actors to collect personal information and money from victims. All legitimate job opportunities from The New York Times will be accessible through The New York Times careers site. The New York Times will not ask job applicants for financial information or for payment, and will not refer you to a third party to do so. You should never send money to anyone who suggests they can provide employment with The New York Times.
If you see a fake or fraudulent job posting, or if you suspect you have received a fraudulent offer, you can report it to The New York Times at NYTapplicants@nytimes.com. You can also file a report with the Federal Trade Commission or your state attorney general.