Sports Content Researcher job at ESPN

Job Description

~~Working at ESPN is unlike anything else. That’s because we’re always finding new ways to interact with fans – however and wherever they connect with sports. When you have the latest technology, game-changing ideas and world-class talent on your team, every day is extraordinary.

Based in Bristol, CT, Production Researchers are responsible for providing notes, stats and trends in support of each of ESPN’s platforms including TV, radio, digital and mobile. They use their broad and deep sports knowledge to ensure the accuracy of live news-and-information shows such as SportsCenter, and sport-specific shows on soccer, baseball, football, basketball and other sports and various game broadcasts. Responsibilities will include researching original content for full-screen graphics, anchor lead-ins and original pieces, as well as creating and dispersing information to other areas of ESPN, such as Studio Production, Event Production, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, ESPN Mobile, and ESPN International.

If statistics, storylines, news-headline writing and editing are a big part of your sports game, then Stats & Information is the place for you. We are a pressure-packed, exciting work environment specializing in information dissemination across ESPN. Our content is used across multiple platforms -- television, digital media, radio, ESPN The Magazine, and ESPN Mobile. We are comprised of four departments: BottomLine, Production Analytics, Production Research and Stats & Analysis.

Responsibilities

Utilize broad and deep sports knowledge to ensure that graphics, game notes, anchor scripts and reporter scripts are factually and statistically accurate.
Develop original graphics that provide statistical or factual analysis of events, news stories and topical issues.
React to breaking news with creative information and coverage angles
Display a commitment to accuracy in a deadline-driven newsroom environment in which 100% accuracy is the standard.
Research original content for virtually every element of a studio show. Provides real-time updates and trend notes for anchors in studio and for score panels.
Develop and communicates storylines for a variety of ESPN shows. These ideas might also be used on ESPN International, ESPN Radio, the BottomLine or ESPN.com.
Support Event Production game crews with notes and news articles.
Approach job from a Stats & Information-wide perspective, knowing the essential functions of the other departments and able to assist and influence the performance of those other departments.
Use advanced metrics and related statistics to tell stories and differentiate ESPN’s content across multiple platforms.
Be a good teammate which includes providing feedback to peers and management, being solution-oriented and generating ideas related to the future of the department.

Basic Qualifications

Deep and broad sports knowledge across multiple sports. Must have expert-level recall of current and historical sports statistics, news, events and milestones.
Strong writing and grammar skills. Must have demonstrated ability to research, write and edit copy for TV, Digital or print publication, or comparable experience.
Experience with most major internet search engines and fluency in electronic newsgathering techniques, including quickly navigating the internet and knowledge set around social media.
The ability to provide full availability for this position which will include nights, weekends and holidays.

Preferred Qualifications

2+ years’ experience working with working with statistics in an online, television or print media environment
Experience working with sports content and storylines via TV, radio, newspaper or a notable sports blog
Experience in sports news production with an emphasis on the graphic interpretation of news events
Professional experience in following and shaping stories at all stages of development
Experience in television/video production
A thorough knowledge of television production usage of data in on-air and research applications
Experience using social media in a business or news environment
Fluency in reading, speaking and writing Spanish

Required Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Additional Information
ESPN is an equal opportunity employer - Female/Minority/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity. Our goal is to create an inclusive workplace for all.

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