PEP - Researcher

Company Description

VERSANT is a leading force in news, sports and entertainment - home to iconic and trusted brands that inspire, inform, and delight audiences. Our unique combination of content, technology and services enriches the cultural fabric, igniting passions, sparking conversations, and connecting people to what they love most. As an independent, publicly traded company, VERSANT brings together powerhouse cable networks - including USA Network, CNBC, MS NOW (formerly MSNBC), Oxygen, E!,

SYFY, and Golf Channel - with dynamic digital and direct‑to‑consumer brands such as Fandango, Rotten Tomatoes, Golf Now, Golf Pass, and Sports Engine. Together, these businesses reflect our commitment to delivering exceptional experiences across every screen and service. VERSANT is an industry‑changing media company fueled by innovation and an entrepreneurial spirit. With a strong foundation and a forward‑looking vision, VERSANT empowers creativity, embraces change, and drives connection in an ever‑evolving world.

USA Sports is looking for a versatile Sports Researcher to join the team. The goal of the Sports Research team is to guide our company’s sports coverage with storytelling, statistics, and historical context, with the goal of producing the best content possible for casual audiences and sports fanatics alike. The ideal candidate will already have a strong foundation of sports knowledge along with a deep curiosity to learn more, coupled with an enthusiasm to share that knowledge with our production teams and our audiences.

The position will require strong writing skills, sound editorial judgment, quick decision making, and the ability to interact with the entire production staff during live studio and remote programming.

This is a part‑time project/limited term position with an estimated duration of up to 9 months, unless otherwise amended or terminated as deliverables within this project are completed.

• Develop, compile and circulate information about sports and athletes across Versant platforms including but not limited to WNBA, College Basketball, Golf, College Football, NASCAR, Premier League, and Pro Volleyball. This role will be primarily focused on supporting the WNBA.
• Maintain the accuracy and integrity of on‑air content.
• Be a constructive teammate by working with producers and on‑air talent to develop story ideas, gather story‑related research, and fact check scripts (both pre‑produced and live broadcast).
• Prepare on‑air talent prior to shows, and provide accurate, on the spot information during broadcasts in various capacities in studios, control rooms and on remote, sometimes as the only production representative with talent.
• Duties include contributing to production and editorial meetings, creating and writing research and story memos for production and talent, and responding to specific research requests.
• Researchers are expected to become experts in the stories, athletes, rules, results, and histories in every sport televised by USA Sports.
• Be prepared to contribute to research projects across USA Sports properties including supporting game and event production with notes and briefings.
• Be prepared to interview or contribute to interviews with athletes, coaches, and officials.
• Prepare and build content for the operation of on‑air ticker.
• Keep up with daily news on sports that USA Sports covers, reacting quickly to breaking news and sharing updates with production leadership.

Basic Requirements:

• Minimum one (1) year of experience in sports journalism or related field or equivalent work experience.
• Submission of writing samples.
• Excellent writing skills with proven journalistic writing ability.
• Demonstrated editorial judgment and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Desired Characteristics:

• Previous demonstrated excellence working on a national or regional sports television production or equivalent experience is strongly preferred.
• Candidates should be versatile, self‑motivated, energetic and able to work well both independently and as part of a…