On Tuesday, November 4, PRSSA members had the pleasure of hearing from 2016 UGA Grady graduate Kevin Schatell, who is currently a producer for NBC’s Today Show.
Kevin Schatell speaks to PRSSA members from his home in New York City.
During his time as an Entertainment and Media Studies (EMST) major at UGA, Kevin dove head first into every opportunity. He served as a tour guide at the UGA Visitors Center, was involved with UGA’s Institute for Leadership Advancement (ILA) program, interned at Ryan Seacrest’s Seacrest Studios, and participated in the prestigious IRTS Summer Fellowship. These experiences set the stage for what would become his dream career at The Today Show in New York City.
Today, Kevin produces full live segments, lifestyle stories, and music features for The Today Show while overseeing the audience experience on the iconic Rockefeller Plaza. Every morning, he emcees the audience area, finding special participants and helping create unforgettable moments for hundreds of people who gather to see the show. From the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to The Rockettes’ performances, Kevin helps bring the show’s energy to life.
Kevin’s dream of living in New York started long before beginning his career. During his sophomore year at UGA, he attended a Late Night with Jimmy Fallon rehearsal and met an intern, a simple interaction that made a lasting impression on him. He was drawn to the rich history of Rockefeller Center and 30 Rock, which would later become the heart of his career.
His journey took a major turn when he joined the NBCUniversal Page Program, a highly competitive, rotational, one-year experience that allows participants to work across different divisions of NBC. Kevin served as an ambassador for the company, led studio tours, and provided guest services. He describes it as an immersive, life-changing experience that gave him confidence, communication skills, and a deep understanding of storytelling.
Before the Page Program, Kevin had a transformative experience with the IRTS (International Radio and Television Society) Fellowship. IRTS focuses on diversity, inclusion, and accessibility as it pays for participants’ housing and travel while connecting them with industry leaders at companies such as Facebook, Meta, Google, and CBS.
At The Today Show, Kevin’s role quickly evolved. He began with audience coordination and later got the chance to produce his own segment for Red Nose Day, where he interviewed Jane Lynch. From there, his producing expanded to include interviews with Hilary Duff, the “Queer Eye” Fab Five, and musical performances like Little Big Town and Olivia Rodrigo. Every morning from 6 to 9 a.m., Kevin is on the plaza before heading to his desk to prepare for upcoming guests. He credits his success as the result of curiosity, eagerness to learn, and shadowing those around him.
Working in live television means constant change. Kevin must adapt to breaking news, viral social media moments, and long-planned guest appearances. He emphasized that though technical tools are important, what matters most is public speaking, writing, pitching, communication, collaboration, and relationship-building. He shared that the best publicists he works with are down to earth and understand that his role has guidelines.
Kevin’s favorite part of the job is the people. He believes relationships are everything, from interns and publicists to celebrities and crew members. Communication in all directions, a value instilled in him during the Page Program, remains a core part of his success. Notes from anchors like Craig Melvin and Hoda Kotb have meant the world to him, reminding him of the kindness and connection at the heart of television.
Kevin also shared about his struggles with anxiety and the uncertainty of post-graduation life. He admits that the path wasn’t smooth and that even when he followed his gut, he often felt unsure. He explained that there was no clear path to his current role and dream job. “Doors will open for you where you don’t even know it exists,” Schattell said.
The words that changed his life are simple but powerful: “Nothing to prove, only to share.” Kevin lives by this mindset that your worth isn’t tied to achievements or recognition, but to the personality, time, energy, skills, stories, and creativity you share with the world. He emphasized that you never need to prove yourself to others, you don’t need to receive a response from people, just simply share more about yourself. His journey from Athens to Rockefeller Plaza is proof that even when the path isn’t clear, that passion, kindness, and curiosity can lead you exactly where you’re meant to be.
