TV Critic

The 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. Its why we have a world-renowned newsroom that sends journalists to report on the ground from nearly 160 countries. Its 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 its why our business strategy centers on making journalism so good that its worth paying for.

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 nights 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 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 an in-office position based in New York City or Los Angeles and includes regular attendance in the office four days each week. There may be some flexibility to work remotely per your departmental guidance.

Responsibilities:

• Regularly write reviews on deadline.
• Write critics 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 ourvalue of journalistic independenceand 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.