Brief Introduction of Jacob Soboroff
Jacob Hirsch Soboroff, born in 1983, is a distinguished American journalist currently serving as a correspondent for NBC News and MSNBC. He gained national recognition for his in-depth reporting on the Trump administration’s family separation policy at the U.S.-Mexico border. His work on this issue culminated in the New York Times bestselling book, “Separated: Inside an American Tragedy,” and an executive producer role for the documentary film “Separated.” Before his tenure at NBCUniversal, Soboroff was a host for YouTube Nation, a co-host of TakePart Live on Pivot TV, and a founding host and producer for HuffPost Live. He is known for his passionate and human-centered approach to journalism, often focusing on immigration and political issues.
Jacob Soboroff Overview
| Name | Jacob Hirsch Soboroff |
| Date of Birth | March 27, 1983 |
| Age | 42 years old (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Father | Steve Soboroff |
| Mother | Patti Soboroff |
| Wife | Nicole Cari (married 2012) |
| Children | Two |
| Height | 5 feet 8 inches |
| Profession | Journalist, Correspondent |
| Net Worth | Estimated $500,000 |
Early Life and Education of Jacob Soboroff
Jacob Hirsch Soboroff was born in Los Angeles, California, as the eldest child of Patti and Steve Soboroff, a prominent real estate developer, philanthropist, and former member of the Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioners. Raised in a Jewish family, Soboroff attended the prestigious Harvard-Westlake School for his high school education. Following his graduation, he moved to the East Coast to pursue higher education at New York University. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in politics in 2005, and a year later, in 2006, he completed his Master of Arts in political theory and philosophy from the same institution. During his college years, Soboroff gained early exposure to the political world by serving as an aide to then-New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
Jacob Soboroff’s Career
Jacob Soboroff’s career in journalism is marked by a diverse range of roles across various media platforms. Early in his career, he contributed to MTV’s presidential election coverage in 2012, where he engaged with presidential candidate Mitt Romney about young voters. He also served as the founding correspondent for AMC News, interviewing actors and filmmakers. Soboroff’s on-screen presence grew as he co-hosted NBC’s “School Pride,” a show focused on school makeovers, and contributed reports to CNN, NPR’s “Weekend Edition,” and the PBS series “Wired Science.”
In 2013, Soboroff became a founding host and producer of HuffPost Live, the live-streaming network of The Huffington Post. The following year, he hosted “YouTube Nation,” a daily pop-culture news show produced by DreamWorks Animation, and co-hosted “TakePart Live” on Pivot TV.
Breakthrough with MSNBC and NBC News
In September 2015, Jacob Soboroff joined MSNBC as a correspondent, a move that would significantly shape his career. He later became a correspondent for NBC News as well, frequently appearing as a fill-in anchor on “Today” and “NBC Nightly News.” His work at MSNBC has focused heavily on border and immigration issues. He was among The first journalists to bring widespread public attention to the Trump administration’s family separation policy. His reporting took him to a converted Walmart in Texas, which was being used to house approximately 1,500 separated boys. He described the scene as “shocking” and likened the facility to a “child prison.”
His impactful reporting on this crisis led to the publication of his book, “Separated: Inside an American Tragedy,” in July 2020. The book became a New York Times bestseller and was later adapted into a documentary film titled “Separated,” which he executive produced with acclaimed filmmaker Errol Morris. As of August 2025, it was announced that Soboroff will be joining MSNBC as a senior national and political correspondent, a move that comes as MSNBC prepares to separate from NBC News into a new entity called Versant.
Jacob Soboroff Personal Life & Family
Jacob Soboroff resides in his native Los Angeles with his family. He married fashion executive Nicole Cari in 2012. The couple has two children, a son named Noah and a daughter named Lucia Ray. Cari has held positions such as Vice President of Marketing and Communications for the menswear brand Band of Outsiders and currently works as a freelance Brand & Marketing Creative Consultant. Soboroff often shares glimpses of his family life on his social media.
Beyond his journalism career, Soboroff is an executive director of the non-partisan organization Why Tuesday?, which aims to increase voter participation in the United States.
Awards and Achievements of Jacob Soboroff
- Walter Cronkite Award for Individual Achievement by a National Journalist for his reporting on the family separation policy.
- Hillman Prize for Broadcast Journalism, also for his coverage of the family separation policy.
- Ruben Salazar Journalism Award from the California Chicano News Media Association.
- Nominated for a News and Documentary Emmy® Award for his reporting in Haiti.
- Named a recipient of the Yale University Poynter Fellowship in Journalism in 2024.
- Recognized as one of America’s 10 best TV news journalists in late 2024 by GALECA: The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics for his “determined exposés on the U.S.-Mexico border crisis and the ongoing plight of immigrants.”
Jacob Soboroff Net Worth and Income
As of early 2024, Jacob Soboroff’s estimated net worth is approximately $500,000. His primary source of income is his career as a journalist and correspondent for NBC News and MSNBC. His salary has reportedly increased with the growth of his responsibilities and prominence in the field.
Legacy and Influence
Jacob Soboroff’s legacy is deeply intertwined with his courageous and empathetic reporting on the U.S.-Mexico border crisis, particularly the family separation policy. His work not only informed the public but also contributed to a national conversation that transcended political divides, focusing on the humanitarian aspect of the issue. By providing a firsthand account from inside detention facilities and giving a platform to the affected families, he brought a human face to a complex policy, which many have described as traumatic and cruel. His book and documentary have served to document what has been called one of the most shameful chapters in modern American history. His approach has been praised for its thoroughness and for giving credit to other journalists who were also instrumental in breaking the story.
Interesting Facts about Jacob Soboroff
- During college, he worked as an aide to New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
- He gave a widely-shared TED Talk about election reform and his work with the organization Why Tuesday?.
- He is the son of Steve Soboroff, a well-known Los Angeles civic leader and philanthropist.
- In January 2025, he did highly personal reporting for NBC on a wildfire in Pacific Palisades that destroyed his childhood neighborhood.
- He is the author of the forthcoming book “Firestorm: The Great Los Angeles Fires and America’s New Age of Disaster,” expected in January 2026.
Social Media Presence
Jacob Soboroff is active on social media, where he shares his work and personal life. As of August 2025, his social media presence includes:
- YouTube: His channel has approximately 2,450 subscribers.
Final Words about Jacob Soboroff
Jacob Soboroff has established himself as a prominent and compassionate voice in American journalism. His dedication to uncovering and humanizing complex issues, most notably the family separation crisis, has earned him both critical acclaim and a respected place in the media landscape. As he transitions into his new role as senior national and political correspondent for the newly independent MSNBC, he is poised to continue his impactful work. With a new book on the horizon and a continued focus on pressing national stories, Jacob Soboroff’s influence on public discourse is set to endure.
