Live from New York, it's ... Jack Turner! Having graduated from Rice University this past May, Turner ’25 is six months into his role as a Page at NBCUniversal, where he supports some of the company’s most iconic productions.
The NBCUniversal Page Program is a selective, full-time opportunity for graduates early in their careers to learn about the media industry from all angles. Over 12-16 months, Pages rotate assignments—Turner currently works closely with NBC’s Guest Experience and Audience Operations teams, supporting live studio productions and coordinating audience logistics across Rockefeller Center.
Turner previously interned with NBC in the summer of 2024. He worked in the Programming Department of NBC Sports to help schedule sports content, covering major events such as the Paris Olympics. "That internship really opened the door and connected me to people involved with the Page Program," Turner says.
Before joining NBC, Turner built a wide-ranging resume that bolstered both of his majors in Sport Management and Business. He worked the NFL Honors for three consecutive years, supporting the NHL Awards and the ESPYs, and held roles with the Houston Rockets, Houston Texans, the College Football Playoff, and Rice Athletics.
“The experiences I had through the Department of Sport Management were incredible,” Turner said. “The classes, the people, and the hands-on opportunities all prepared me for this role. Everything from networking and sales to venue management directly translates to what I do every day.”
When Turner is working a live studio show, his responsibilities include managing audience seating, coordinating Pages during show days, leading the standby line, and ensuring all audience members follow studio rules during live production. During the week, he serves as the Audience and Mezzanine Page for the Rockefeller Center studios, overseeing screens, music, and announcements for audience load-ins and private NBC events.
“There’s always something that goes wrong during live television,” Turner said. “The biggest challenge has been learning to problem-solve instantly and stay calm under pressure. Communication is everything.”
Looking ahead, Turner hopes to continue building a career in sports media and production.
“I’ve learned that I love working on my feet, especially in live environments,” Turner said. “NBC is expanding its sports portfolio, and I’d love to help support that growth. Whether it’s production or even potentially on-air roles, I’m excited to keep exploring.”
For students hoping to break into media, entertainment, or professional sports, Turner emphasizes the importance of gaining hands-on experience early and often.
“My advice is to get as much real-world experience as possible,” Turner said. “Expose yourself to different departments, such as sales, operations, and marketing. It teaches you what you want to pursue and what you don’t. Those opportunities shaped my path more than anything else.”
Turner will complete the Page Program in May 2026 and continue as a Grad Page through October as he applies for full-time roles across NBCUniversal.
Sergio Rojas, a senior from Houston, Texas, is double-majoring in Business with a concentration in Finance and Sport Management with a concentration in Leadership.