Sports broadcasters describe the action of a game, provide analysis and commentary, and conduct interviews. They are also often based in the press box or dedicated broadcast booths within stadiums and arenas, which offer a direct view of the action and ensure accurate real-time coverage.
Students with an interest in sports broadcasting should consider a bachelor’s degree program that includes courses in journalism, communication, or broadcasting. A degree in these fields will help them focus on analyzing and talking about sports on radio and television.
Education
Until recently, most colleges didn’t offer specific degrees in sports broadcasting. Instead, they lumped it in under a more generalized broadcast journalism degree program or even the umbrella category of communication studies.
Today, many schools now offer specialized broadcasting programs that teach students how to write for the medium, produce radio or television segments and give play-by-play commentary. The curriculum is often supplemented with hands-on experience working with equipment in a studio and on-field experiences at local games or events.
In addition to education and training, a good career path in sports broadcasting also requires dedication to self-education. Attending sporting events, immersing yourself in the culture of a sport and studying the rules, strategies and history can help you provide deeper analysis and commentary. Additionally, networking within the industry is essential and attending workshops and seminars can provide valuable professional insights into the field.
Experience
Whether you’re in high school or are already a graduate student, it’s important to find internships and other experiences that give you the on-air and behind-the-scenes skills you need to land a sports broadcasting job. Some of these opportunities may even let you create a demo tape that serves as a professional media sample that can be submitted alongside your resume when applying for jobs with sports teams and news networks.
In addition to providing commentary during live sporting events, many sports broadcasters are also involved in hosting pre- and post-game shows and conducting interviews with players and coaches. These responsibilities often require interviewing skills and the ability to ask insightful questions that yield informative and engaging responses. Some may travel to different venues in order to provide on-location coverage or analysis. This is particularly common in the case of broadcasters that specialize in covering particular sports or for major tournaments and championships. Other sports broadcasters stay at home and cover local or regional games, either from the studio or directly from the team’s stadium.
Internships
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many hands-on internships have been suspended. However, remote sports internships are still available for students who want to gain industry experience while working from home or another location outside the office. Applicants need strong communication and project management skills to thrive in these roles.
IU’s National Sports Journalism Center offers internships, interactions with sports media professionals and extracurricular training to help students prepare for careers in sports broadcasting. The program also connects students to sports media opportunities outside the university by hosting networking events and providing access to professional-grade equipment.
An internship with a local radio station is an excellent way to gain experience in the sports radio industry. Interns will work with the sports department and witness how a daily local station puts together its afternoon and nightly sports broadcasts. They may assist announcers with interviews, log game times and work on other production assignments. Occasionally, they will be asked to cover a live sporting event as well.
Networking
When most people think of jobs in sports broadcasting, they envision on-air reporters at local and national radio and TV stations. However, the industry encompasses many other roles that keep sports fans informed and engaged.
For instance, producers work behind the scenes to ensure that a sports broadcast runs smoothly. They are responsible for distilling a day’s worth of content down to a predetermined length and ensuring that the correct equipment is available.
In addition, producers are responsible for arranging and conducting interviews with athletes and coaches. They also oversee the editing of the audio and video that is produced during a sporting event.
Aspiring sports broadcasters should seek to network within the industry by attending events and conferences. They should also build a strong online presence and develop their skills by staying updated on the latest technology in the field. This includes adapting to different broadcasting platforms such as online streaming and social media content. 스포츠중계
