Tips for Becoming a Sports Broadcaster
To some sports fans, being a sports broadcaster seems like one of the most fun jobs in the world. As fun as it is, you have to put proper work into it if you want to become a broadcaster. Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, you’re certainly not the first. It’s a tough industry to break into—but it’s not impossible, especially if you have the passion for it. These tips for becoming a sports broadcaster will break down the most vital steps to take if you want a chance at becoming a pro.
Sharpening Your Knowledge
First thing’s first: you have to understand what you’re talking about. Make sure to research and become incredibly familiar with an array of sports, such as football, basketball, baseball, soccer, and tennis, just to name a few. Even if it’s not your favorite sport, you should become an expert in it. That way, you won’t narrow your job opportunities.
Plus, you should also become familiar with all the essential sports broadcasting equipment that allows these shows to run properly. Not only do you need to know the game, you need to know the gear, too, even if you won’t be hands-on with it.
Getting an Education
The big leagues don’t hire just any random sports fan to become their next broadcaster. To start down the right path, you’ll have to go earn a bachelor’s degree at a sports broadcast school. Getting a degree in field a like Broadcast Journalism is also of great use in the industry. One very useful part of the college experience is the ability to make connections that’ll help you when you’re finally starting your job search.
If your college has a radio or TV station, try to get the opportunity to work there. That way, you can have some experience under your belt, and hopefully build those connections, by the time you leave college.
Beginning Your Career
After earning a degree, it’s time to start climbing the ladder. To become a sports broadcaster in most industries, you’ll have to work your way up from a smaller position. For instance, if you’re aspiring to be a play-by-play announcer, you might have to work your way through other positions such as an analyst or color commentator.
You can send your resume to the bigger stations, but, given how tough it is to break into this industry, don’t feel bad about starting out at a lesser-known station. Once you get more experience in the field and continue building up connections, you’ll be able to get access to better opportunities in the industry.
These tips for becoming a sports broadcaster can help you plan your long journey ahead, so you don’t have to wander aimlessly into the industry with no plan or even an idea of where to start. As mentioned above, this is a tough industry to break into but if you put in the effort, you can eventually obtain your dream job.
