Jacob Soboroff: A Career in Investigative Journalism and Political Reporting
From his early days in municipal government to becoming a leading voice in national political reporting, Jacob Soboroff has built a diverse career characterized by versatility and a commitment to exposing systemic injustices. His journey spans pop culture, educational programming, and high-stakes investigative journalism.
Early Career and Media Versatility
Soboroff's professional foundation began in college, where he served as an aide to New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. This early exposure to governance provided a springboard into a multifaceted media career. He initially gained visibility through a wide array of platforms, contributing to MTV during the 2012 presidential election, where he engaged with candidate Mitt Romney regarding the perspectives of young American voters.
His early portfolio reflects a broad range of interests. He served as the founding correspondent for AMC News, interviewing filmmakers and actors, and co-hosted School Pride, an NBC program focused on proactive school makeovers. His reporting skills were further honed through contributions to CNN, NPR's Weekend Edition, and the PBS series Wired Science. In 2014, he embraced digital-first media by hosting YouTube Nation, a news show centered on pop culture.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Investigative Reporting on the Border Crisis
As a correspondent for MSNBC, Soboroff shifted his focus toward critical border issues. He became one of the first reporters to bring public attention to the Trump administration's family separation policy, a controversial practice where children were separated from parents crossing the U.S.–Mexico border without proper documentation.
Soboroff's reporting was grounded in direct observation. He was among ten journalists granted access to Casa Padre, a Texas facility housing 1,500 boys between the ages of 10 and 17. He described the facility—a converted Walmart—as a "child prison," calling the conditions "shocking." This investigative work culminated in his book, Separated: Inside an American Tragedy, published on July 7, 2020.
Recognition and Recent Career Evolution
Soboroff's dedication to immigrant rights and border reporting earned him significant professional acclaim. In late 2024, GALECA (The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics), the organization behind the Dorian Awards, named him one of America's 10 best TV news journalists, praising his determined exposés on the border crisis.
In January 2025, Soboroff reported on a personal tragedy when wildfires destroyed his childhood neighborhood in Pacific Palisades, sharing updates via news reports and Instagram.
The landscape of his career shifted again in August 2025 during the split of MSNBC into Versant. Soboroff joined MS NOW full-time as the Senior National and Political Correspondent. This transition led to a major milestone in March 2026, with the announcement of his own weekend morning show. Connect with Jacob Soboroff premiered on June 13, 2026, replacing the slot previously held by Ali Velshi. Notably, this program is the first MS NOW show based in Los Angeles.
Key Facts
- Specialization: Border issues and the U.S.-Mexico immigrant crisis.
- Major Publication: Author of Separated: Inside an American Tragedy (2020).
- Current Role: Senior National and Political Correspondent for MS NOW.
- Current Program: Host of Connect with Jacob Soboroff (premiered June 13, 2026).
- Accolades: Named one of America's 10 best TV news journalists by GALECA in 2024.
| Period/Date | Role/Achievement | Organization/Project |
|---|---|---|
| College | Aide to Mayor Michael Bloomberg | NYC Mayor's Office |
| 2012 | Presidential Election Contributor | MTV |
| 2014 | Host of YouTube Nation | YouTube |
| July 7, 2020 | Published Separated: Inside an American Tragedy | Book Publication |
| Late 2024 | Top 10 TV News Journalist | GALECA |
| August 2025 | Senior National and Political Correspondent | MS NOW |
| June 13, 2026 | Host of Connect with Jacob Soboroff | MS NOW (Los Angeles) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jacob Soboroff's area of journalistic expertise?
Soboroff specializes in border issues, specifically focusing on the U.S.-Mexico border crisis and the plight of immigrants.
What was the focus of the book "Separated: Inside an American Tragedy"?
The book examines the Trump administration's family separation policy, detailing the experiences of children separated from their parents at the U.S. border.
What is "Connect with Jacob Soboroff"?
It is a weekend morning show on MS NOW that premiered on June 13, 2026. It is the first show for the network to be based in Los Angeles.
Which organization recognized Soboroff as one of the best TV journalists in America?
GALECA: The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics named him one of the top 10 TV news journalists in late 2024.
What was Soboroff's role at Casa Padre?
He was one of ten journalists invited to tour the facility, where he reported on the conditions of 1,500 boys aged 10 to 17 housed in a converted Walmart.