Five Tips for Aspiring Sportscasters
Breaking into the sports broadcasting business isn't easy. Seriously, it sucks. I'm constantly asked by college kids for advice and I try to respond with brutal honesty. Sometimes I want to persuade them into a different direction, but if it's their dream, then they need to experience the journey. Always do what makes you happy.
1. Always know YOUR voice
Whether through the written word or on broadcast, make it true to you. You'll only reach your true potential when you stop pretending to play a role and embrace the profession as a part of your life. I'll never forget my professor at Syracuse, Frank Currier, pulling me aside and asking if I was Walter Cronkite.
"Then why are you trying to talk like him? Talk like yourself. Be you. People don't want to be lied to."
I'll never forget that on camera...or in life.
2. Be willing to sacrifice...a lot
I lived in Hastings, Nebraska for two years (population 25,000). I was a news reporter making $18,500/year.
Don't get me wrong, I found a way to have a great time and met some wonderful people that I'll treasure forever...but it still sucked when all my best friends were making lives in Manhattan. Now, everyone has a different path...some get lucky out of college and land in a higher market with less bullshit...however, the majority of broadcasters I've met have gone through similar circumstances. You need a smaller market to gain seasoning and an understanding of how the process works. I've met countless young people that ask me this question, hoping I'm going to tell them something else, but I can't. Also, don't try to work your way on-camera from a producer position. Can it happen? Absolutely. Typically, unless you're hired as on-camera talent, you'll never be viewed as one. There's too much BS going on for them to try you out somewhere else. It's a business and you've got a job to do.
Find broadcasters you respect and pick their brains. Send them your resume tape and ask them what you should change. Also, contact broadcasters in markets that you'd like to work and ask for practical advice. I can almost guarantee it won't lead to a job immediately...but down the line you've built a supporter in a city you'd like to be employed. They might have pull with the News Director when your contract is up...or inside information when other people are leaving. Heck, you might be able to replace them when they move on.
4. Study Yourself & Have Thick Skin
While it's nice that your parents tell you that you're incredible and should replace Brian Williams, be realistic about your on-camera presence. Study yourself like a professional athlete. How do you sit? What word do you say too often when ad-libbing? Did your delivery meet your expectations? Be willing to pick yourself apart and improve.
Also, only listen to critiques from people you respect. That random guy on Twitter would start crying if he were thrown on live TV...laugh it off and don't respond.
5. In the beginning, your Resume Tape is everything.
- Start with 6 or 7 stand ups showing your ability to look comfortable on camera in different situations.
- Follow that up with a good story you've done.
- Finish up with anchoring at a desk.
If you don't have these elements, get them. Intern at a local station and ask them to shoot stand ups for you after they've gotten what they need. Come in on a weekend and ask the production staff if you could read through the newscast for your reel, they'll send you the clip of you on the desk. If you worked on a story with a reporter, ask if you could voice track it as well and put it on your tape. Most reporters have gone through similar struggles and will be willing to help.
It's not an easy career...definitely not as gratifying as many make it out to be...but if it's the path you've chosen, kick some ass. Bring passion everyday and pour yourself into projects that matter. It definitely takes luck to advance, but preparation puts you into a position to be lucky.
theartofmadeline
baratheonpilled
vaporwave
izzy806
titsay
snowghoul
discoholicmusic