(March 31, 2017) Brett McMillan’s sportscasting career is on the boomerang track. An STAA member and St. Louis native, McMillan is joining his hometown Cardinals as a Multimedia Journalist.
McMillan will be reporting for the Cardinals Insider television show and contributing to the team’s online platforms.
“My wife and I are from St. Louis so this is a dream come true,” McMillan grins.
“This job provides me the chance to tell in-depth stories which wouldn’t fit in a local newscast. It also allows me to not only cover the current roster, but the history of a tradition rich franchise too. I’m doing TV stories, and spearheading the team’s podcasting efforts. There is TV and radio in my background. Getting to do both in one role is a thrill.”
McMillan returns to the Gateway City via Kearney, NE, where he was a sports anchor/reporter at KHGI-TV for two years. Working for the Cardinals is new but known territory for McMillan – four years ago he was the Cardinals multimedia reporter and host for 101 ESPN St. Louis.
“I had a relationship with a member of the team’s communications staff, so I was somewhat familiar with their brand journalism efforts already. When I received the post for this job in an STAA email I knew it would be an exciting chance to contribute content for the club’s TV show, and online platforms.”
McMillan has sage advice for broadcasters targeting multimedia journalist jobs with professional teams.
“Understanding social media and the Internet is key. Teams have huge online audiences. It’s a tremendous place to present content. That being said, understanding what works well on the web is important. Some of the tenants of traditional broadcasting carry over, but the web is a different animal in some ways.”
After a few years in the sportscasting industry, McMillan knows what it takes to succeed.
“Success in a broadcasting job and success in the job market requires two different skill sets. STAA has equipped me with resources to grow as a broadcaster. It has also taught me how to effectively position myself as a qualified candidate. Without STAA’s strategies I wouldn’t be able to stand out in the job market.”
(Visit Brett’s website).