Undoubtedly the best way to break in as a sports talk show host involves starting in a smaller market (yes, they have talk shows) or working first as a sports journalist-these shows frequently hire newspaper people part-time for weekends and for full-time positions.
Radio provides jobs in sports in addition to the talk show positions. Most major stations have a sports editor providing news and often commentary. And thousands of stations across the nation broadcast athletic events live. Professional, college, and high school games need announcers who understand the sport and can communicate the action clearly and colorfully. Normally, one individual provides play-by-play, while the other gives analysis. Successful radio broadcasting can result in a move to the big time, and big money-television!
Television announcers receive the best salaries and the greatest exposure to the public. They may be employed by a sports team or a TV station-or both. Some serve as the sports reporter on the station's news program. As such, they cover many areas, necessitating a good knowledge of at least the major sports. Although they may appear on the show only twice a day for four or five minutes, TV sportscasters spend most of the day preparing for their air time. Often this involves attending press conferences, interviewing players, and covering games. It's an exciting life that brings the sportscaster in close contact with the athletic world. Many try their hand at automobile racing, playing quarterback (in practice), and pitching batting practice as a promotion. These activities are arranged to increase viewer interest and to expand the announcer's credibility as someone knowledgeable about sports. In addition to very good speaking ability, writing skills are also essential, since most sportscasters compose the information they announce.
The growth of cable television, such as ESPN and a variety of local and regional stations, has expanded opportunities in television. Like network and local commercial stations, cable operators need game announcers, producers, program directors, hosts for interview shows and panel discussions, announcers to report game results, and interviewers for news stories, human interest pieces, and investigative reports.
Sports announcers have captured the attention of the public. Brent Musburger's career moves, John Madden s fear of flying, and Tim McCarver's honest criticism of players have made headlines.
In general, game announcers capture the most attention. As with radio, they fall into two categories: play-by-play or color specialists. The play-by-play announcer generally explains each play as it occurs and its relationship to the overall game. The color commentator, usually a former player, provides insights into certain techniques and strategies the coach or athlete may employ; he or she often will provide amusing anecdotes about players. Most recently there has been an attempt to carefully put together a team of announcers that will complement each other s abilities and contribute to the listener's enjoyment of the game. Many hours are spent by the staff in preparing for a game or event. Studying player s backgrounds, talking with coaching staffs, and meeting with public relations specialists help in this regard.
Sometimes a third person will contribute to announcing the game.
Beginning Your Sports casting Career
Knowledge of sports and an excellent speaking voice are important prerequisites for a career in sports casting; physical attractiveness looms important for the television positions. Donna devarona, a TV sports communicator, cautioned that you should have both a sports and an academic background; it's very hard for someone who has never played or been on the line in a competitive sport to really understand the dynamics of the game. Therefore, it is useful to take many of the same courses suggested for newspaper and public relations careers, such as writing, public speaking, sports studies, and physical education. Similarly, try to become involved in sports at some level of activity.
If you do not wish to perform in front of the camera or a microphone, careers exist in the background. For example, technical personnel are needed to operate cameras. Producers plan show content, tuning, and commercials. Positions as broadcast technicians also exist in radio and television. These individuals operate and maintain the electronic equipment responsible for transmitting the signals onto the airwaves.
If you did not attend college (or even if you did), consider attending a trade school designed for radio and television careers. These schools offer short, intensive courses and aid in job placement.
For those interested in the world of sports broadcasting, consider attending a broadcasting school. A typical curriculum features classroom instruction, live practice, guest lectures, broadcasting, and critique sessions.
Once you have obtained the necessary education, Keith Jackson of ABC-TV's "Wide World of Sports" has provided this suggestion: If you want to be a television sportscaster, begin where you are comfortable. You shouldn't be too eager to run for the big city when the smaller community affords the better learning experience.
Many, many opportunities exist at the thousands of radio and hundreds of television stations in North America. Here the novice can hone skills and learn the art of the professional. Some individuals so enjoy their jobs in small towns and cities that they stay and make it a career. Others will use this background as a springboard to the "big time."
