Sports Broadcast
Sports broadcast is one of the most popular and profitable industries for both TV and OTT video services. Viewers love to see live sporting events, especially the big ones, and many pay for subscriptions to watch their favorite teams play.
The first sports event televised was a baseball game between Columbia and Princeton universities in 1939. Since then, sports broadcasting has evolved tremendously.
Studio Hosts
Sports studio hosts anchor pre-game, halftime and post-game shows from a broadcast studio in a controlled environment. They introduce and facilitate discussions between analysts, former players and experts while providing their own analysis and insights. These studio hosts typically have a dedicated studio set with a variety of monitors and teleprompters to aid them in their broadcast.
Among the top studio hosts is James Brown, who has earned three New York Emmys and is a mainstay on NFL Sundays for MSG Network. He has also hosted NBC’s Gold Zone coverage of two Olympic Games.
The Big Ten Student U studio host role is designed for students who have a strong on-microphone and on-camera presence, and who take their sports knowledge and preparation seriously. Interested students are invited to apply for the position on three occasions each year – in late July, mid-October and late January.
Color Commentators/Analysts
A sports broadcast would be bland without the color commentator, who supplements the play-by-play announcer’s call with commentary and anecdotes. Often former athletes and coaches, they provide expert analysis of the game as it unfolds.
They also offer background information and statistics, and may sprinkle in an occasional bit of light humor or levity. A good color commentator has a clear, distinctive voice and engaging personality that meshes well with the play-by-play announcer.
They also anchor pre-game, halftime and post-game shows from a studio setting, interview athletes and experts, and guide the overall flow of the program. This requires excellent interviewing skills and a deep understanding of the sport or event being covered. They are on a first-name basis with professional athletes and must be able to ask questions that elicit insightful, informative answers. They must also be able to quickly switch gears between providing their own commentary and facilitating interviews. In addition, they must be familiar with the rules and history of the sport, its current standing and future direction.
Play-by-Play Announcers
The primary speakers on a sports broadcast are called the play-by-play announcers. They are known for their articulateness and ability to describe each event of an often fast-moving game. These are the people who make or break a sports broadcast and have the biggest impact on the audience.
Aside from describing the action, they may also provide other relevant information such as statistics and player performances. They typically work in a team with one or more color commentators.
It is a highly coveted job and it takes years of practice to develop the skills needed for it. Aspiring announcers should start by practicing alone in front of a mirror or on a camera to get comfortable with the flow and pace. Once they have mastered this, it is recommended that they try it out at real events, with the approval of the venue. This is important as the last thing anyone wants is to annoy fans with their attempts at announcing.
Studio Analysts
Sports broadcasters are the faces and voices that connect fans directly to the action on the field or court. They narrate the games, provide analysis, and interview players and coaches. They work full-time for TV or radio stations and travel to game locations as needed.
Studio analysts are expected to have a wide knowledge of the sport they cover and are familiar with a range of related statistics. In addition, they need good interpersonal skills to interact with other on-air talent and in-studio guests.
ESPN college football analyst Dan Mullen and studio anchors Matt Barrie and Joey Galloway return to the network’s telecasts this season. Galloway will continue her role on SportsCenter and will also contribute to marquee college football coverage. NBC NFL analyst Mike Tirico and sideline reporter Kathryn Tapley will team up for another season on Sunday Night Football. Former NBA player and current Portland Trail Blazers announcer Cory Jez joins the NBC broadcast crew this season as an analytics insider. https://www.monacoktv.com/
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