What Are the Activities & Duties for a Sports Broadcaster?

Sports broadcasters cover the heartbreaking upsets, the triumphant victories and the historic moments in sports. They call the action for games, as well as offering insight into the decisions and events taking place in games. Sports broadcasters typically have a journalism degree or are former professional or collegiate athletes. Sports broadcasters must have an in-depth knowledge of the sport they’re broadcasting, including knowing the rules, history, players and managers. Their job is much more than just watching sports.

  1. Call The Game

    • Sports broadcasters call the action of the game, detailing what pitch was just thrown, who passed the basketball to whom and what pass the quarterback just threw. Even more description is necessary when broadcasters work on radio, due to listeners not being able to see what is happening.

    Analysis and Commentary

    • Sports broadcasters offer analysis and commentary for what is happening in the game, as well as the entire season. They answer questions like, “Why has the quarterback been struggling?” or “What does the team need to do to get a winning record again?”

    Interviews and News

    • After the game is over, sports broadcasters interview key players, as well as the coaches. This means dealing with both enthusiastic winners and frustrated losers. During news and game broadcasts, sports broadcasters recount interviews, as well as report news, such as what players have been traded to other teams. This means attending press conferences to hear important announcements.

    Community Events

    • Sports broadcasters often take an active role in the community, signing autographs, working fundraisers and doing other promotional activities for the team. In addition to appearing at these events, broadcasters may film commercials and do interviews for promotion.

    Research

    • It takes an in-depth knowledge of sports and players to be a sports broadcaster. Sports broadcasters research players, their stats and history. This makes their analysis, commentary and game calling more informative and accurate.

    Talk to Fans

    • Sports broadcasters are often the way fans learn about their teams. While a fan may be unable to talk to their favorite player, a sports broadcaster can share insight into the player and answer a fan’s questions. This is particularly true for broadcasters that work call-in shows where callers discuss the team or sport with the broadcaster on air.

    Operate Controls

    • Sports broadcasters may also run control consoles, queuing up commercials, videos and images. That’s why it’s helpful to be knowledgeable about the technical side of sports broadcasting, too.