NBCU Academy’s Journalism Workshop Experience
Thursday, June 25th, 9:00am – 4:15pm CDT
Location: Hyatt Regency Minneapolis (in-person only)
Join NBCU Academy for a dynamic day of learning, connection, and career development at the AAJA Convention. Designed for emerging and experienced journalists alike, this full-day experience features interactive workshops, candid conversations with NBCU News Group leaders, and hands-on opportunities to sharpen your skills across platforms. From navigating today’s evolving job market to mastering vertical video and refining your storytelling, attendees will gain practical tools to grow and adapt in a rapidly changing media landscape.
Participants can also sign up for personalized feedback through the NBCU Academy Script Doctor, update their professional presence at the Glam Booth, and connect with recruiters and newsroom leaders across NBC News, Telemundo, NBC Sports, and NBCUniversal Entertainment.
Whether you’re looking to break in, level up, or expand your network, NBCU Academy offers direct access to the insights, skills, and connections shaping the future of journalism.
Who should apply?
Our workshops are designed for attendees who are:
- Registered with AAJA to attend their 2026 conference in Minneapolis
- Skilled journalists interested in new media
- Strongly interested in writing, editing and producing
- On-air talent looking to move into a new market
NBCU Academy Sessions
Leadership, Legacy and the Future of Journalism in the Age of AI
Thursday, June 25th, 9:00am – 10:00am CDT
Hyatt Regency Minneapolis
Journalism is evolving in real time, shaped by new technologies and shifting audience expectations. What does it take to adapt with confidence and thrive during this transformation? Join NBCU News Group leaders for a candid conversation on how newsrooms are changing, the thoughtful use of AI in reporting and storytelling, and the skills needed to grow in this new era. Hear how journalists are uniquely equipped for this moment, with the ability to navigate complexity, adapt quickly, and tell meaningful stories under pressure. Gain a clearer view of what’s ahead and how to use your strengths to achieve success.
Speaker: Craig Robinson, NBCU EVP & Chief Inclusion Officer
Moderator: Vicky Nguyen, “NBC News Daily” Co-Anchor & NBC News Chief Consumer Investigative Correspondent
Panel:
- Rebecca Blumenstein, NBC News President, Editorial
- Al Ming, NBCU News Group Product & Design SVP
- Catherine Kim, NBC News EVP, Editorial
- Nina Sen, NBC News Standards-Race, Class, Gender Director
How To Make A News Vertical Video
Thursday, June 25th, 10:30am – 12:00pm CDT
Hyatt Regency Minneapolis
Interactive Workshop
Vertical video is where millions now discover the news—are you ready to meet them there? In this interactive session, learn how to create vertical videos that inform, engage and feel authentic. We’ll break down what’s really working in today’s newsrooms, from structure and storytelling to tone and tools—including how to drop the traditional “reporter voice” without losing credibility. Walk away with practical techniques to elevate your storytelling and reach new audiences.
Moderator: Aimee Cho, NBC4 Reporter
Speaker: DS Shin, NBCU Local Senior Digital Video Producer
Additional Speakers:
- Yvette Miley, NBCU News Group EVP
- José Cancela, Telemundo Station Group President
- Catherine Kim, NBC News EVP, Editorial
- Brian Cheung, NBC News Business and Data Correspondent
Career Accelerator: Getting Hired
Thursday, June 25th, 12:45pm – 1:00pm CDT
Hyatt Regency Minneapolis
A fast-paced briefing on today’s evolving media job market. Get practical tips on standing out, positioning your skills, and navigating opportunities across newsrooms, platforms, and roles—whether you’re starting out or making your next move.
Speaker: Emily Porter, NBCU News Group Principal Recruiter
Career Accelerator: Lessons From Local
Thursday, June 25th, 1:00pm – 1:15pm CDT
Hyatt Regency Minneapolis
Local news is where great journalists are made. Hear quick, real-world insights from newsroom leaders on what it takes to succeed—from covering breaking news to building community trust—and how those skills translate across the industry.
Speakers:
- Gia Vang, NBC Bay Area Anchor and Reporter
- Jeremy Chen, NBC Connecticut Reporter
- Greg Dawson, NBC7 & Telemundo 20 San Diego VP of News
- Aimee Cho, NBC4 Reporter
- Vince Lattanzio, NBC 5 Chicago News Director
NBCU Academy Script Doctor
Thursday, June 25th, 1:15pm – 2:45pm CDT
Hyatt Regency Minneapolis
Great journalism doesn’t live in just one format. Hear from NBCU News Group journalists who’ve mastered storytelling across platforms, then get personalized feedback from our local news directors and NBC News Digital editors. Bring a script or article and sign up in advance to reserve your one-on-one critique session.
Panel:
- Brian Cheung, NBC News Business and Data Correspondent
- Cecilia Fang, “TODAY” Senior Editorial Producer
- Joy Wang, NBC News Digital Sr. Editorial Director
Career Enhancer: The Glam Booth
Thursday, June 25th, 9:00am – 5:00pm CDT
Friday, June 25th, 9:00am – 2:30pm CDT
Hyatt Regency Minneapolis
Step into the Glam Booth for a professional polish. Participants can sign up in advance for headshots and on-site grooming consultations with industry artists. Walk away camera-ready with updated visuals and tips to elevate your on-screen presence and personal brand.
NBC100: A Century Forward — AAPI First Responders Take the Lead
Thursday, June 25th, 3:00pm – 3:45pm CDT
Hyatt Regency Minneapolis
In honor of NBC100, this conversation brings together Hanako Greensmith (Chicago Fire) and Kahyun Kim (St. Denis Medical) to explore how television is redefining AAPI first responders. Today’s characters are no longer symbolic—they are complex leaders shaped by ambition, nuance, and humanity. This panel examines how Chicago Fire and St. Denis Medical reflect a broader shift toward more authentic, multidimensional storytelling on screen.
Speaker: Craig Robinson, NBCU EVP & Chief Inclusion Officer
Moderator: Emilie Ikeda, NBC News Correspondent
Panel:
- Kahyun Kim, “St. Denis Medical” Actor
- Hanako Greensmith, “Chicago Fire” Actor
