Chelsea's Bridge to a Journalism Career?

Image via WikipediaGiven the economic hard times that have befallen the field of print and broadcast journalism and the surfeit of debt-ridden j-school grads flooding the marketplace, it's heartwarming when an industry powerhouse such as the NBC Nightly News takes a flyer on a fresh young face.

So, according to Bloomberg News, NBC ("Nothing But Celebrities") News has hired 31-year-old former First Daughter, Chelsea Clinton, to be a full-time special correspondent for NBC News' "Making a Difference" segments. The feature reports, which air on NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams and may also be showcased on the newsmagazine "Rock Center with Brian Williams," focus on individuals who volunteer in their communities to improve the lives of others.

Clinton will continue her work for her family's William J. Clinton Foundation while handling her tv duties. In 2009, NBC hired Jenna Bush Hagar to be a part-time correspondent on Today (see "TUOL" post 8/31/09), while MSNBC boasts Meghan McCain as a contributor. NBC's presidential kiddie corps may not compare all that favorably to alumni such as Tom Brokaw, John Chancellor, Chet Huntley and David Brinkley, but at least the Peacock Network is offering entry level jobs and we need all the "job creators" we can get.