Short Take

Watch Short Take

  • 2015

Short Take from NBC News was a web series that premiered in 2015. The show featured short documentaries and news segments covering a variety of topics including politics, technology, culture, and lifestyle. Each episode of Short Take was around five minutes long and aimed to provide a concise and informative snapshot of the chosen topic.

One of the primary goals of the series was to provide viewers with an in-depth look at current events and trends while also keeping them engaged through entertaining storytelling. The series was hosted by NBC News correspondents and reporters, who brought their expertise and knowledge to each episode.

Short Take featured a mix of original reporting and archival footage, giving viewers a unique perspective on the stories covered. Some of the most memorable episodes of the series covered topics like the rise of virtual reality technology, the impact of climate change on agriculture, and the debate over gun control in America.

One of the standout episodes of Short Take was "Japan's Robot Revolution." In this episode, correspondent Keir Simmons traveled to Tokyo to explore the increasing use of robots in Japanese society. The episode highlighted the innovative ways the robots were being implemented, from elderly care to factory work. It also raised important questions about the potential impact of automation on the workforce and society as a whole.

Another notable episode of Short Take was "The Future of Food." In this episode, journalist Harry Smith looked at the ways technology was being used to address the growing concern over sustainable food production. The episode explored innovations like vertical farming and the use of insects as a protein source, as well as the cultural shifts toward plant-based diets.

Short Take also tackled more complex political and social issues. In an episode titled "Inside the Minds of Syrian Refugees," NBC News correspondent Richard Engel traveled to Lebanon to speak with refugees fleeing the ongoing conflict in Syria. The episode provided a rare and candid look at the experiences of those displaced by war, shedding light on the humanitarian crisis and the challenges of assimilating into a new culture.

In addition to these more serious and thought-provoking topics, Short Take also featured lighter segments that explored aspects of popular culture. In an episode called "The Art of Cosplay," correspondent Joe Fryer took viewers inside the world of cosplay, where fans dress up as their favorite characters from movies, comic books, and video games. The episode provided a window into the creativity and passion behind this unique hobby and the dedicated community that surrounds it.

Short Take was well-received during its brief run on NBC's website and social media channels, earning praise for its engaging storytelling and informative reporting. The series was also recognized with several awards, including a Webby Award for Best News and Politics Series.

While Short Take only produced a limited number of episodes before ending its run, it remains a noteworthy example of the evolving landscape of digital media and the importance of accessible and informative online content.