Should I look to find a job in sports? Journalists, Broadcasters or show producers please reply.?

Question

I love sports and I am always looking at the internet to find out what's going on in the sports world. There are some sports that are hard for me to watch on tv, but if I get to see those same sports in person, I am in heaven. I listen to the sportscasts on the internet while driving around as a field service technician. If there aren't any sports on tv, I almost feel like there is nothing on tv to watch. So I am asking a sincere question. Should I seek work in sports or am I just a sports junkie. Serious answers please and if there are any broadcasters or journalists online, I would definitely like to read what you have to say.

Answer 1

Hi,
I have been working in Broadcasting ever since graduating college back in 1993. Being a sports broadcaster is not as easy as people may think.

I have produced live call-in sports programs in major markets, as well as producing live sporting events on the network level for 4 professional sports organizations. It took me many hard years of training, and working at smaller stations before I ever had a chance at the bigger stations.
A love of sports is not really all you need to break into broadcasting. As a matter of fact, You need more experience on the broadcasting side of things to be successful.
I have done production work for both Fox Sports Radio, and ESPN radio. A basic knowledge of sports is a good base to have, but it is not necessary to work at either places.

Excuse me for being a bit snippy, but a lot of people think along the same lines as you do... I like sports, I can be a good sports broadcaster. I like driving a fancy sports car.... That does not mean that I can build my own.

If you really deep down think you can make it in sports broadcasting, I wish you nothing but success. I would advise you to start out at a smaller station, hone your skills, learn the in's and out's of the business, then go from there. Brodcasting is kind of like a never ending ladder. There is always a bigger station, or position to set your sights on. It is a constant up-hill climb. It is a real cut-throat business... You will need to develope a "thick skin" to take the constant opinions of others that think they can do better than you. But if it is something you really love, it is all worth it!

If you would have any more specific questions on how to break into the business, please, feel free to e mail me. I will be more than happy to try to point you in the right direction.

I hope I did not come off too "snarky" I just believe in telling it how it is! I wish you well in your future in the media.