Thursday, August 7th, 11:00am-6:15pm ET

Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland | 307 A & B

Step inside the newsroom with NBCU Academy. We’re offering a one-day, invite-only experience packed with practical skills and powerful conversations with award-winning journalists at NBC News, NBCU Local, Telemundo, CNBC and MSNBC. Learn through immersive workshops on writing, interviewing and storytelling for TV, streaming and digital — all with real-time feedback. Participants will also have exclusive access to the hellohive team, who will offer advice on your resume. If you’re curious, driven and ready to grow — this is where your next level begins.

Who should apply? 

Our workshops are designed for attendees who are: 

• Registered with NABJ to attend their 2025 conference in Cleveland
• Strongly interested in writing, editing and producing 
• On-air talent looking to move into a new market 
• Skilled journalists interested in new media 

What should I expect? 

Conversations with NBC News, NBC News NOW, Noticias Telemundo, NBCUniversal Local, MSNBC and CNBC professionals to identify the most effective tools to improve your journalism skills.   

NBCU Academy in Conversation with Craig Melvin: Leadership, Legacy & Staying True

Thursday, August 7th, 11:00am-12:00pm ET
Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland | 307 A & B

NBCU Academy kicks off its workshop experience with “Today” co-anchor Craig Melvin, one of the most trusted voices in news. In this intimate conversation, Craig reflects on his rise from local reporter to national anchor, the power of authenticity, and what it means to lead in today’s media landscape. As a journalist, father, and trailblazer, Craig brings insight, heart, and humility to every story he tells. Don’t miss this inspiring kickoff to NBCU Academy’s workshop experience, as Craig shares lessons on resilience, representation, and building a career that lasts.

Speakers:

• Craig Melvin, “Today” Co-Anchor
• Blayne Alexander, Dateline NBC Correspondent
• Anzio Williams, NBCUniversal Local Talent, Strategic Initiatives & Team Impact EVP

The Art of the Interview: Asking Questions That Matter

Thursday, August 7th, 12:15-1:45pm ET
Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland | 307 A & B

Great interviews are built on thoughtful questions, sharp instincts and genuine curiosity. In this interactive session, you’ll learn the art of asking better questions — from setting the tone to knowing when to stay silent. Through real-world examples and guided discussions, you’ll gain practical tools to build trust, spark emotion or unlock a headline. We’ll cover techniques for approaching interviews with public officials, experts and people impacted by breaking or tragic events. Whether reporting for on-air, print or digital platforms, this session will help you grow not just as a journalist, but as a better communicator, listener, and storyteller.

Speakers:

• Jackie Bradford, NBC4 & Telemundo 44 Washington President & GM
• Antonia Hylton, MSNBC’s “The Weekend: Prime” Co-Host
• Yamiche Alcindor, NBC News White House Correspondent
• Stefanie Cargill, NBC News Producer

CNBC Presents: What Every Journalist Needs to Know About Personal Finance

Thursday, August 7th, 2:30-3:15pm ET
Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland | 307 A & B

When you’re chasing deadlines or covering the latest market moves, your own finances can end up on the back burner. Knowing how to manage your money is just as important as knowing how to cover the story. Join Sharon Epperson, CNBC’s senior personal finance correspondent, for a candid and practical conversation about what every journalist — no matter your beat or career stage — should know about personal finance. Whether you’re just starting out or leveling up in your career, this is your opportunity to gain the tools and confidence to take charge of your financial future.

Speakers:

• Sharon Epperson, CNBC Senior Personal Finance Correspondent
• Kamila Elliott, Collective Wealth Partners Co-Founder & CEO
• Lazetta Rainey Braxton, The Real Wealth Coterie Founder & Principal

NBCU Academy Script Doctor

Thursday, August 7th, 3:30-5:00pm ET
Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland | 307 A & B

Great journalism doesn’t live in just one format. Whether you’re turning a digital article into a broadcast script — or adapting an on-air story for digital — the power is in how you write and adapt. 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 printed or digital copy of either a script or an article. Sign up in advance to reserve your one-on-one critique.

Speakers:

• Ken Strickland, NBC News Editorial Operations SVP
• Shaquille Brewster, NBC News Correspondent
• Tawanda Scott Sambou, NBC News Digital Senior Producer
• Janelle Richards, “NBC Nightly News” Senior Producer
• Melissa Younger, NBC Washington Managing Editor

Black Opulence on TV: From “The Gilded Age” to “Bel Air”

Thursday, August 7th, 5:15-6:15pm ET
Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland | 307 A & B

The stars and creative teams behind HBO’s “The Gilded Age” and Peacock’s “Bel-Air” come together for a spirited discussion on how television today is portraying a wider spectrum of Black affluence. “The Gilded Age” and “Bel-Air” reimagine what we know about Black wealth during the Reconstruction Era in New York to present day Los Angeles. Moderated by MSNBC host Symone Sanders, the panel will feature “The Gilded Age” executive producer and co-showrunner Sonja Warfield and star Jordan Donica alongside “Bel-Air” series regular Jimmy Akingbola and NBCU programming executive Letitia Baylor. “The Gilded Age” and “Bel-Air” are both produced by Universal Studio Group.

Speakers:

• Symone Sanders Townsend, MSNBC’s “The Weeknight” Co-Host
• Sonja Warfield, “The Gilded Age” Co-Showrunner and Executive Producer
• Jordan Donica, “The Gilded Age” Actor
• Jimmy Akingbola, “Bel-Air” Actor
• Letitia Baylor, NBCU Current Programming Director