Sports broadcasting is a huge part of the media world today, with every major cable network dedicating channels to popular sporting events. Professional sports players achieve celebrity status, and many of them are sponsored by various companies.
A graduate degree in sports broadcasting provides students with access to world-class equipment and facilities, including Sacred Heart University’s fully-equipped Frank & Marisa Martire Center for Liberal Arts, and a media production studio on the West Campus.
How It Began
As television became more popular and networks began putting sports on their schedules, the sport broadcasting industry started to evolve. By the 1960s, some networks were beginning to offer special features that turned sports into high-quality television entertainment. Roone Arledge, who joined ABC Sports in 1960, is credited with this change, as he was responsible for many of the innovations that made ABC Sports one of the most successful sports programs on TV.
During the early years of network television, sports telecasts accounted for up to one-third of a network’s prime time programming. However, ratings for individual sports shows began to decline, as viewers found other shows more interesting.
The 1970s saw a number of major changes in sports broadcasting. ESPN became the first cable network to use stereo sound in its telecasts, while NBC introduced a continuous graphic of balls and strikes on a baseball field. These graphics eventually became a standard part of all sports telecasts.
The Job
As the name implies, sports broadcasters provide coverage and analysis of sporting events for television, radio or online media. They must have a deep understanding of the rules, strategies and history of each sport they cover. They also need to be able to communicate this information clearly and concisely to their audience. Discover more at 스포츠중계!
In addition to play-by-play commentary, sports broadcasters often conduct pre- and post-game shows. These usually involve interviewing coaches and players to gain insights into the game. This requires excellent interviewing skills and the ability to elicit informative, engaging responses from those interviewed.
Many sports broadcasters specialize in a particular sport or league. Others may have a more generalist approach, covering multiple types of sports. In the United States, for example, there are numerous cable TV and satellite sports channels that offer different types of sports content, from mainstream to niche. The channels can be subscribed to separately or as part of a larger package, such as ESPN’s flagship SportsCenter network.
Education Requirements
If you want to work in sports broadcasting, a degree in the field will help, but on-the-job experience is also key. Try to get into an internship or join a training program that gives you the chance to work alongside experienced professionals.
Specializing in one or more sports can also make you more appealing to employers, as it allows you to provide in-depth analysis and commentary. It’s important to be well-versed in the rules, strategies and history of each sport. Attending games is a good way to gain knowledge and become familiar with the teams and players.
Many colleges and universities offer courses or certificate programs in sports broadcasting and production, if you want to get an academic background. Some even include a live TV studio and radio station. During your studies, you can practice with on-air talent and develop a demo reel that will serve as your first impression once you graduate. You can also take part in a pre-college summer program like Dean College’s Sports Broadcasting Camp, which is specifically designed for high school students.
Work Environment
Sports broadcasters may work for television and radio networks, sports news websites or social media platforms. They often specialize in a specific sport or league, but can also be generalists and cover several sports.
In addition to on-air broadcasting, the sports media industry includes a variety of support roles that are vital to successful event coverage. These include technical positions such as camera operators and audio technicians, who set up the broadcasting equipment. Other support staff members provide administrative assistance, such as writing copy and handling phone calls.
If you aspire to be an on-air broadcaster, you should pursue entry-level jobs and internships in order to gain experience and build your resume. It is also a good idea to seek formal representation by a talent agent, who can help you navigate the sports entertainment landscape as you climb the career ladder. This is especially important for those seeking to land high-profile sports broadcasting roles. A talent agent can help you find opportunities to work with major sports organizations, while also working to ensure that you are paid fairly.