By Stephanie Iovieno
Nature of the Work: Sure, sportscasters get to interact with athletes, coaches and other high-profile members of the sports community on a regular basis, but the job is not all fun and games. These dedicated sports personalities arrive before the game and stay late after the game, wrapping up the post-event, interviewing players and preparing for the next game. They typically work long hours and weekends, depending upon their show's time slot and/or game time. Most sportscasters are avid sports fans who know a great deal about the industry.
Sportscasters can broadcast either on TV or radio. Unlike TV sports reporters, radio announcers must be able to give an image to the audience through their words and tone alone. However, both types may work for local, regional or network stations. There are also variations of a sportscaster's role — from play-by-play announcer to sideline reporter to anchor — and each entails different duties. A play-by-play announcer calls the game from a booth in the venue or a table on the sidelines; she usually has a partner who gives color commentary. Stationed as close to the action as possible, a sideline reporter (think Michele Tafoya during Monday Night Football) gets the inside scoop of what's happening on the field of play. She interviews coaches and players before they go into the locker room for halftime and updates the audience on injuries during the game. Lastly, an anchor typically hosts an in-studio sports program, whether it's a late-night highlight show (think Linda Cohn on SportsCenter) or pre-game/post-game coverage.
Education and Training: Although employers generally prefer candidates with degrees in communications, journalism, English or a sports-related area of study (i.e. sports science), others may accept a broadcasting school certificate. Internships or positions at TV/radio stations are important, and the more experience, rather than degrees, you have within the field, the better. Build your portfolio by working at your school's TV/radio programs or at local stations. Some schools even have students calling games play-by-play! Upon graduation, most budding sports announcers start out in small markets and work their way up to the big stage on nationally televised programs, where competition for positions is intense. Sportscasters must be articulate and comfortable in front of the camera or behind the mike, and they must have a clear speaking voice. Solid writing skills are a must.
Job Outlook: Now with more women than ever covering sports, the field has expanded past the all-male domain as it once was. Due to the popularity and high demand for jobs in sportscasting, there are fewer job openings for more prospective employees. Most openings are on the local or regional level, rather than the larger markets.
Salary Range: TV - $21,000 to $1 million; Radio - $20,000 to $750,000+