Getting Proper Sportscaster Training

 

It is great to know the sportscasting industry from contacts within to the current sportscasting technologies used in the workplace.  The thing to remember that to become a sportscaster their a many paths that can get you there but a few inside techniques like fastrack internships can help you get there sooner than later.

If you  become a sportscaster there are a few core standards which are absolute musts to take your career to the broadcasting booth
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1) Announcing and Producing Skills

2)Get your name out in the marketplace by networking but networking your audition tapes and intern, intern ,intern.

You’ve surely heard the saying “it’s now what you know, but who you know”

Since you want to discover how to become a sportscaster, it’s best to amend that saying to “It’s BOTH what you know, and who you know.” After all, you may have the greatest sports broadcasting skills in the world, but if nobody within the industry knows you, what good do they do you?

The opposite is also true. You may have killer contacts within the sports broadcasting industry who also know other influential contacts. However, if you don’t have the highly specialized broadcasting skills required to call games, host shows, or interview guests, who’s going to hire you?

How to acquire sportscasting skills in order to become a sportscaster?

The best person to teach you any new skill is someone who earns their living by performing that skill daily. Since you want to know how to become a sportscaster, the best person to teach you the necessary broadcasting skills required for the job is another sportscaster. Who better to teach you the ins and outs of play-by-play, show hosting or interviewing, than a working sportscaster?

How to get your foot in the door in Sports Broadcasting?

 

The way to get started quickly is to just show up at ayour local radio or televison station.  A radio station is much more open to this as TV will usually point you to the HR dept.   Simply state you are looking for an internship as a assistant producer or gopher anything to get started.  Another way to impress them is to come up with some good ideas for the show write them out like you have already been going to work for them.  If it is a sports talk program simpley write some sample segment bits like “14 Second Sports Update” all the top sports scores and info in 14 seconds and the announcer would have to speed announce to beat the clokc it might sound funny and edgy and change of pace.  This shows the current producer that your already coming up with ideas and your not even working for the yet!

Where and if you should go to school with up to date training?

There are many great programs that proivide broadcasting schooling butthat is not your only outlet.  Many cable providers have training for free provided to the community you live in.  Specifically I was trained in broadcasting for sports covering local football games.  Comcast has a program that requires about 8 weeks of training and then you become ac ertified producer and can produce any type of programming all for free.  Check out the programs near you here for Comcast.

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Interview-Mike Golic, ESPN

b_story_mike_golic1Michael Louis “Mike” Golic (born December 12, 1962 in Willowick, Ohio), is a co-host of ESPN Radio’s Mike and Mike in the Morning and a former defensive lineman in the NFL. The NFL website lists him as 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 m) and 265 pounds (120 kg).

He also serves as an analyst for ESPN and ESPN2′s NFL studio programming, as well as for the networks’ college football game coverage. Golic joined ESPN in 1995 as an NFL reporter/analyst for Sunday NFL Countdown. Since then he has worked as the color commentator for the Arena Football League (1996-98, 2007–present) and the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars pre-season games (1995-98). In 1998, Golic began serving as college football analyst for ESPN and ABC, and was an original analyst for NFL 2Night (now and better known as NFL Live), the five-night-per-week news and information program on ESPN2.

Golic is also the host of the long running syndicated sports highlights, bloopers and gag fest called The Lighter Side of Sports.

Golic is a 1985 graduate of the University of Notre Dame, majoring in finance and management. He served as captain of the football team during his senior season and also wrestled for the Irish.

071904-golicBefore working for ESPN, Golic was a nine-year NFL veteran, playing defensive tackle for the Houston Oilers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Miami Dolphins and recorded 11.5 sacks and 3 interceptions in his career. As his talk-show partner Mike Greenberg likes to point out, on each of Golic’s three career picks, he was tackled by the quarterback. Golic was selected in the tenth round in the 1985 draft, taken 255th overall by the Houston Oilers. During his seven years in Philadelphia, he began his television career with a weekly segment on the Randall Cunningham Show. He received a Mid-Atlantic Region Emmy Award for his feature Golic’s Got It.

Golic currently co-hosts Mike and Mike in the Morning with Mike Greenberg on ESPN Radio and ESPN2. Both Golic and Greenberg are protagonists of an Emmy winning cartoon series on ESPN.com produced by Animax Entertainment that derives from the radio show content.

Prior to ESPN, Golic was a commentator for the now-defunct women’s professional wrestling organization G.L.O.W. (Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling).

On January 16, 2007, ESPN announced that Golic along with Greenberg would be the network’s lead broadcast team for The Arena Football League on ESPN including ArenaBowl XXI.

Golic is currently advertising ESPN College Pick’Em for Dr. Pepper and the Nutrisystem program, where he has lost over 50 pounds.

During the February 20, 2007 broadcast of Mike and Mike in the Morning, Golic’s 17-year-old son Mike called in from Italy to reveal that he had verbally committed to play football at his father’s alma mater, Notre Dame.

On April 27, it was announced Mike Golic will appear alongside football’s greatest players in the3637_webgolic upcoming PS3 and Xbox 360 game, All-Pro Football 2K8.

In November 2007 Golic admitted to using steroids during his NFL career. He claimed that his steroid use was limited to a few months during an off season to help recover from an injury.

Mike resides in Avon, CT approximately 12 miles from ESPN.

Golic’s older brother is Bob Golic, multi-time NFL All-Pro nose tackle who is a talk radio host Monday through Saturday on WNIR-FM in Akron, Ohio and is a co-host of the Cleveland Browns television pre-game and post-game shows that air Sundays on CBS affiliate WOIO-TV.

Mike made an appearance on ESPN’s mini-series Tilt. He can be seen during the final episode eating a donut at the buffet table.

Mike appeared with Mike Greenberg on the TV series Guiding Light in 2008.

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On The Job In Broadcasting

200280090-001The broadcasting industry is diverse and dynamic, offering professionals an opportunity to provide information using media and communications. A broadcasting career can evolve from a position as a producer, broadcast technician, reporter, or director. The field includes innovative technology, along with audio and visual programming. From radio to sports broadcasting, the industry offers many options for students and graduates of a broadcasting school. Different avenues to explore in the industry include voice broadcasting, television broadcasting, and radio broadcasting.

Job Description and Responsibilities of Broadcasting School Graduates

Graduates of broadcasting college can enjoy many benefits of work completed at a school of broadcasting. Since the industry is constantly changing, they will assume many responsibilities and skills in the technology and computer fields. A broadcasting career may entail a position that requires:

  • Working with a team of broadcasting professionals
  • Operating audio visual, programming, and communications equipment
  • Working with broadcasting engineers and technicians in a team environment
  • Understanding the dynamics of broadcasting journalism
  • Working with camera operators and equipment
  • Working under pressure to meet deadlines
  • Learning about technological changes and adapting projects accordingly
  • Following national broadcasting guidelines
  • Working with new media and digital camera and computer operations
  • Learning voice broadcasting techniques

Types of Broadcasting Schools

Since the field of broadcasting is so wide in scope, students can choose to specialize in a particular field or domain. The most common types of broadcasting schools include:

  • Voice broadcasting
  • Radio broadcasting
  • Television broadcasting
  • Sports broadcasting

All specializations tend to fall under the School of Broadcasting for a particular college or university, while technical colleges and community colleges may offer a broadcasting college or television broadcasting schools that focus on specific courses of study. Radio broadcasting schools are often affiliated with other new media and programming schools. Voice broadcasting is generally learned in all broadcasting fields of study.

Career Options after Broadcasting School or Broadcasting College

A broadcasting career offers flexibility and options in different departments. From radio broadcasting to citycollege_broadcastingtelevision, graduates of broadcasting school or broadcasting college can work in teams or independently. Broadcasting college can train students in a studio setting that is equipped with all necessary audio and video equipment. Many students begin their broadcasting career as a broadcast technician or internship with a local media company.

A school of broadcasting can prepare students with many skills and experience from professional teachers and mentors. Job placement after graduation is another attractive component of attending broadcasting college, and offers additional career options. Students may pursue a career in the divisions of radio broadcasting, television broadcasting, or sports broadcasting.

Radio broadcasting schools can prepare students to become a:

  • Radio Announcer
  • DJ or Radio Personality
  • Program Director
  • Music Director

Television broadcasting career choices include:

  • News Reporter
  • Anchor
  • Assignment Editor
  • Television Programming Editor
  • Show Producer
  • Weathercaster
  • Traffic Reporter
  • Investigative Reporter
  • Talk Show Host
  • Video Editor
  • Graphic Artist
  • Director
  • Community Relations Director
  • Promotion Director

Sports broadcasting career choices include:

  • Color Commentator
  • Anchor
  • Talk Show Host
  • Producer
  • Reporter

Broadcasting School Courses and Training Programs

Students interested in developing their broadcasting career can choose to enroll in a broadcasting college, or attend a university that has a school of broadcasting division. Most radio broadcasting schools and television broadcasting schools are found alongside community colleges and tech schools. These comprehensive two-year programs offer hands-on training and a rich media experience. Sports broadcasting schools can also be found within media schools and divisions.

Students may also choose to enter a journalism or communications program to gain further education in the industry. Broadcasting skills are not always learned in a traditional classroom setting. Most broadcasting students take part in hands-on training and subjects such as:

  • Broadcast History
  • Studio work
  • Digital Audio Production
  • Broadcast Marketing & Advertising
  • Broadcast Performance & Journalism
  • Voice Training and Programming
  • Digital Video Editing
  • Digital Audio Production
  • Field & Studio Production
  • Communications Training

broadcasting-school-onairMost prospective broadcasting school and broadcasting college students will need a high school diploma to pursue formal training, and can choose from both short-term and long-term course programs. Two-year broadcasting school programs offer flexibility in scheduling and can lead to an internship with job placement. The best experience students receive is from internships and formal, hands-on training programs.

Certification for Broadcasting Careers

Although it is not mandatory, broadcast technicians may choose to pursue certification through the Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE). Certification requires passing a written examination and can be a valuable asset to many broadcasting students in this competitive industry.

Broadcasting School Accreditation

The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) recognizes the Accrediting Council on Education Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC) as the accrediting party for all broadcasting school and broadcasting college programs. Six regional accrediting agencies throughout the United States can also provide broadcasting school accreditation.

Broadcasting School Graduates Earning Potential and Employment Prospects

With the extensive growth in the entertainment, communications, and broadcasting industry, the demand for trained broadcasting professionals continues to rise. Employees in the radio broadcasting and television broadcasting fields are often found working in a highly competitive industry, and can find attractive positions in large metropolitan markets. Entry-level jobs offer important hands-on experience and mentoring programs.

Job growth in the field of broadcasting is expected increase rapidly for television and computer-based media industries, while it is projected to be slower for radio broadcasting and local television networks. Job options are dependant on skills and experience, and median hourly earnings vary by occupation. In 2004, Median annual earnings for broadcasting professionals were as follows:

  • Broadcasting Operations Managers: $42.73

  • Producers: $21.58

  • Reporters: $16.37

  • Camera Operators: $14.60

  • Radio Broadcasting and Television Announcers: $10.51

  • Broadcast Technicians: $12.35

Related occupations include:

  • Actors

  • Support Specialists

  • News Analysts

  • Writers and Editors

  • Correspondents

  • Media Advertising and Public Relations

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Radio Broadcasting

You’ve often wondered of how to become a Radio Talk Show Host. After all, who WOULDN’T want to get paid for voicing your views, debating various topics, and influencing public opinion?

The sad truth is – few ever make it off the sidelines and into the game – even if they have some form of radio broadcasting training in their background.

If you fail to realize your dream of becoming a Radio Talk Show Host, it won’t necessarily mean you’re less qualified than many of today’s working talk show hosts. You’ll typically fail, like many others who have gone before you, for one of two reasons:

  1. You failed to take the time to learn how the radio broadcasting industry actually thinks and operates. Understanding the mindset that drives the industry is critical if you want to know how to become a radio talk show host. (It’s not just WHAT you know – but WHO you know)
  2. You failed to have a winning strategy for breaking into radio broadcasting that works with the flow of how the industry operates. Unintentionally, you’ll likely find yourself swimming against the current, usually due to acting on bad advice.

Who makes the best radio talk show hosts?

You’ve likely been told by others that you’d make a good radio talk show host, right? After all, you’re opinionated, smart, funny, well informed, and you like to talk.

Congratulations. You’re radio talk show host material.

Having some – or all – of those previously mentioned characteristics simply means that you have the potential to be a successful and famous radio talk show host. You’re a diamond in the rough.

However, even rough diamonds require someone skilled to bring out the qualities that would make them shine brightest – wouldn’t you agree?

The same principle applies to all radio personalities. The best radio talk show hosts rely on someone more experienced to develop their natural ‘diamond in the rough’ abilities.

The ultimate teacher for aspiring radio talk show hosts

The best qualified person to develop your natural skills is a working and experienced radio talk show host. The reason is simple. They already do it for a living, and they know what it takes to succeed.

Equally important, they provide you two important details that few others can offer – access and leverage.

You’re able to access their knowledge and contacts, and leverage their broadcasting experience to work in your favor by shortening your learning curve. Their contacts indirectly become your contacts, and their experience is directly passed on to you. Think about it –

  • Who’s better qualified to teach you the tricks of the trade than someone currently working as a radio talk show host?
  • Who better to guide you into the business than someone who has broken into the business themselves?
  • Who has access to hiring program directors and other industry professionals that you don’t?
  • Who better to serve as a meaningful reference than an experienced radio talk show host who has personally trained you?

The little discussed secret to becoming a radio talk show host

Having a keen grasp on issues, a strong opinion, wit and intelligence is a good start.

However, by themselves, they will only place you halfway to your goal of becoming a radio talk show host. Unfortunately, what good does having all those positive qualities do for you, if nobody in a position of influence knows these things about you?

The little discussed secret to becoming a radio talk show host is having your own network of influential industry contacts. Knowing people in the broadcasting industry is important, but more important is having influential people in the industry knowing you, and the type of abilities you have.

Without contacts, your abilities are like a signpost in the desert. Few will ever know they exist.

Your chances of ever realizing your dream of becoming a Radio Talk Show Host are greatest when;

  • You have a working and experienced radio talk show host personally training you
  • You’re being trained in a real radio station where real talk-radio occurs
  • Your training occurs where important contacts are located
  • Those who have the ability to hire you, or recommend you, can get to know you

How to develop important insider contacts in broadcasting

Other broadcasting schools, University’s – or even your well connected friends – will rarely discuss with you the real secret to becoming a radio talk show host. Usually, that’s because once they reveal the real secret to you – if they know it at all – is they can no longer help you, since so few people actually have insider contacts in broadcasting.

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