How to Become a Sports Broadcaster

A career in sports media has never been more competitive. While many universities boast about their communication and journalism programs, a handful of schools consistently develop and place the most celebrated broadcast professionals.

A successful sports broadcast requires thorough research and preparation. This includes studying team and player statistics, preparing storylines and narratives, and keeping up with current events. 스포츠중계

History

Throughout the 1930’s and 1940’s, radio was the primary method of mass communication for sports broadcasting. Himes (2002) notes that three sports and four electronic manufacturers/communication companies dominated early network broadcasting.

Initially, sports results were announced after the games through ticker tape reports. Eventually, early radio sportscasters like Major Andrew White and Ted Husing began recreating the events on their radio shows from ticker tape reports.

In order to describe the action at the field in real time, Husing developed a mechanical annunciator or “spotter board.” The device allowed his assistant to quickly identify players on the field for him while he was speaking into the microphone. In 1926, this invention helped him describe the Princeton-Navy football game on live radio for the first time. This is considered one of the most significant milestones in sports broadcast history. It was also the first live televised sporting event in the world. NBC broadcasted the game from Columbia’s Baker Field.

Skills

Whether they’re in the field, studio or at an event, sports broadcasters must be able to perform under pressure. They often work long hours and may travel to cover sporting events. They must be able to read scripts quickly and clearly so that they can keep their audience engaged. They must also have analytical skills to interpret information and data.

Broadcasters may interview athletes and coaches or conduct more in-depth feature segments. They must have excellent interviewing skills and be able to elicit interesting and informative responses from their interviewees.

They must have a good command of the sport or sports that they are covering, as well as a thorough understanding of its rules and strategy. They must be able to deliver the information in an engaging and entertaining way, as well as provide a range of different angles on a game’s outcome. They must also be able to react quickly to unexpected or traumatic events, such as an injury to a player or natural disasters.

Education

Because sports broadcasting is a highly competitive field, you will want to make sure that you have the proper education and training before entering this profession. A college degree in journalism, broadcasting, communications or a related field can be helpful for students who want to enter this career path.

Some universities offer specialized broadcasting programs, which can be especially helpful for prospective broadcasters. These programs typically require a bachelor’s degree and may include courses in sports analysis, writing and broadcasting.

Additionally, some colleges offer internship opportunities at sports channels and media companies. This will give you valuable experience in the field and help you build your demo reel. Students who enroll in these programs should also look for certifications from the Society of Broadcast Engineers and other organizations that provide resources for journalists. Sacred Heart University’s graduate program in sports broadcasting offers access to world-class equipment, software and production studios that can help you prepare for your career as a professional broadcaster.

Experience

Sports broadcasters add an entertaining, exciting element to live sporting events and other related news by offering play-by-play commentary. They also analyze team strategies and make predictions about future results. They work in a variety of environments, including studios and on-location at sporting arenas or stadiums.

Often, they will work for one or more radio stations or online channels and will focus on specific teams within a geographical area. For this reason, they must be very knowledgeable about the sport that they are announcing for and have good memory recall to provide as much information as possible during the game.

High school students who believe they have what it takes to be a sports broadcaster can gain valuable experience in this field by participating in a pre-college summer program such as the one offered at Dean College. This allows the student to get on air early in their career and build a demo reel right away.