NBC News correspondent Jeff Rossen is getting a promotion. He’s been named National Investigative Correspondent for the “Today” show. Rossen will lead the newly created investigative unit, “Rossen Reports,” for the morning program. Robert Powell will be the senior producer of the unit.
Rossen and his team will also report investigative stories for “NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams” and “Dateline.” An insider draws a parallel between Rossen’s unit and the work of ABC’s chief investigative correspondent: “You have not seen a unit like this since the glory days of Brian Ross.”
Rossen joined NBC News in September 2008 from ABC’s New York station WABC.
More in the release after the jump…
NEW YORK – January 31, 2012 – – Jeff Rossen has been named National Investigative Correspondent for NBC News’ “Today.” The announcement was made by “Today” Executive Producer, Jim Bell and is effective immediately.
Rossen will lead “Today’s” newly created investigative unit, “Rossen Reports.” He and a team of producers will file special investigative stories for air on “Today” as well as “NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams” and “Dateline.”
“With unmatched passion and curiosity, Jeff continues to find the new story angle that keeps our viewers informed,” said Bell. “His tireless commitment to “Today’s” investigative series makes his new expanded role a perfect fit.”
Rossen has served as an NBC News Correspondent since September 2008. He has covered breaking news events and contributed to all NBC News programs and platforms including “Today,” “NBC Nightly News,” “Dateline,” and MSNBC.
During his time at NBC News, Rossen has reported extensively for the “Today Investigates” series, exposing misconduct and troubling behavior in various industries. The high impact investigations are known for their innovative use of hidden cameras and unique storytelling. In addition to his investigative work, Rossen has covered countless news stories for the network both nationally and overseas. In February 2011, he made national headlines during his series of interviews with Charlie Sheen, conducted at the height of the actor’s very public dispute with his bosses. Rossen also led NBC’s reporting on the death of Michael Jackson, as well as the David Goldman case in Brazil and the disappearance of American tourist Robyn Gardner in Aruba. He was part of the “Today” staff that earned the 2011 Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Morning Program.
Rossen joined NBC News from WABC-TV in New York where he had been a reporter and fill-in anchor for Eyewitness News since May 2001. During his time at WABC, Rossen covered stories ranging from the terrorist bombings in London to the Virginia Tech Massacre, the crash of the Space Shuttle Columbia in Texas and the attacks on 9/11. While at WABC, he also filed reports for ABC News magazines.
Rossen began his broadcasting career in radio at WBLI-FM on Long Island, N.Y. He made the transition from radio to local television as a reporter for ABC affiliate WUTR-TV in Utica, N.Y. Rossen then moved on to report for ABC affiliate WIXT-TV in Syracuse, N.Y., and then Fox affiliate WJBK-TV in Detroit, Mich.
He earned an Emmy Award for “Deadline News Writing,” and has also received an award from the U.S. Justice Department for his special report on crime victims.
Rossen graduated from the Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University.
Jim Bell is the executive producer of “Today” (Mon.-Fri., 7-11 a.m. ET).