Blog

Going backward to move forward


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I started my first play-by-play job 25 years ago this week, and it was a move I don’t think many would make.

I started in the broadcasting business at the ripe old age of 19, having been given the “reigns” of producing a five-hour sports talk show at WBNS-AM, in Columbus, Ohio. At that time, the station did not own the broadcast rights to Ohio State football and basketball games, so I was basically flying blind trying to keep the show afloat against our chief rival, which at that time DID own the OSU rights.
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Career Advice
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10 tips to be as entertaining on social media as you are on air


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An employer was interviewing a finalist for a play-by-play job. Things were going well until the employer asked the candidate how he was using social media to promote his broadcasts. The candidate replied, “I Tweet a reminder about the start time for our broadcast.”

End of answer. End of interview.

You must be social media savvy to work in sports broadcasting today. It’s a topic we covered in-depth at STAA’s recent play-by-play retreats in San Diego.
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Career Advice

14 tips for maximizing your sportscasting job security


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At one point in my broadcasting career, I had a boss who ruled through fear. He created an atmosphere where employees feared they were one mistake away from losing their job. His leadership style was the direct opposite of that advocated by legendary coach John Wooden.

“Great leaders are always out in front with a banner, rather than behind with a whip,” says Wooden.
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Career Advice

This is a good person for you to stay in touch with


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A sports talk host I know was laid off from the radio station where he had worked for eight years. Budget crunch. Still, he stayed in touch with the station program director.

Later, when the PD moved to a national network, he hired the host who he’d let go several years earlier.

If you had a good relationship with a former employer, stay in touch. You never know when they might be able to help you in the future.
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Career Advice

Your 6-Step Plan For Hiding Your Job Search From Your Employer


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A guy I know was a sports talk host at his station for many years. When a better time slot opened at a cross-town station, he mentioned to his producer and board op that he had applied. Soon after, his program director heard the news. Within hours, the host was fired.

Looking for your next job while currently employed is not uncommon. The best time to look for a job is when you already have one. However, there are certainly smart ways to do it.
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Job Market

Use this sweet trick to get in front of employers


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A radio station in Charleston, SC had an opening for a producer. An individual who was looking to transition from another career into sports radio thought it would be his perfect entry. He told the employer, “If I can have just five minutes of your time to deliver my resume, I’ll stop by on Thursday.” He did stop by. The employer spent several hours with the candidate. That afternoon, he accepted the job offer before heading back home.

Home was Los Angeles, California.

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Job Market

How much do sportscasters make?


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Do you ever wonder if you are underpaid? Or wonder what someone in your position and market size should be earning? Do you wonder what your dream job will pay?

sports broadcasting salaries

To help answer your questions, we’ve compiled a list of sports broadcasting salaries.
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Career Advice

A shortcut to a DI play-by-play gig


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Neil Price’s recent move from women’s basketball and baseball voice at the University of Kentucky to the football and men’s basketball job at Mississippi State is part of a developing trend:

Doing baseball and men’s or women’s basketball at a Power 5 can be a shortcut to a Power 5 football and men’s basketball job.

MSU is the third university in 12 months to hire a voice who was not doing football at their prior school.
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Play-by-play