What Is a Color Commentator?

Most everyone who watches sports on television or listens to events on the radio is familiar with the play-by-play announcer who describes the action as it happens. Some folks, however, are not aware that there is usually another sportscaster present who gives a different kind of analysis. This featured speaker is referred to as the color commentator because he adds interest to the event by providing background information, in-depth features, statistics and expert insight.

  1. Gives Background Information

    • The color commentator presents background on sports stars, the arenas in which they play and information about the history of the particular sport. This information is designed to get the audience more involved in the game and its players. Color commentators must do their research to find intriguing information to share with his audience. For example, he might need to interview athletes, coaches and trainers.

    Present Special Features

    • Special features allow a color commentator to truly get in depth with a particular aspect of a sporting event. For example, a sportscaster covering the college basketball might develop a feature based on "Cinderella" teams. These are the ones who seemingly come out of nowhere to win championships, such as North Carolina State in 1983 and Villanova in 1985. Other special features might concern the history of particular venue such as Flushing Meadows, where the U.S. Open tennis tournament is played.

    Statistics

    • Statistics are important in sports, but they can often be rendered as dry entries in the record book. It takes a talented color commentator to share the statistics in an entertaining manner and give explanations of why they matter. The key for the commentator is to discover and cite statistics that are astonishing and not well known. For example, according to Sports Facts, the golfer who has won more competitions that any other is a woman named Kathy Whitworth, who took 88 professional tourneys in her stellar career.

    Expert Insight

    • A sports commentator who can provide expert insight is valuable. Many times, color commentators are former athletes who know all the intricacies of their particular sport. For example, former NASCAR star Darrell Waltrip has had a fantastic second career in commentating because of his insider knowledge and the fun entertaining way he delivers information during the races. Mary Carillo, a former tennis professional, is also well known for her in-depth knowledge of her sport (and basketball as well) and her ability to capture the viewer's attention with a sharp delivery.