Since 2007, STAA members have accepted more than 920 radio & TV sports broadcasting jobs.
“Throughout my job progression over the last five years, STAA’s advice and assistance has played a large role in my success. STAA has taught me many things that I have used in applying, and ultimately accepting multiple positions.”
Zack Fisch
Play-by-Play Voice, Hershey Bears Hockey
(Member since 2011)
At STAA, we know how you feel because we’ve been where you are.
My name is Jon Chelesnik.
In June 2003, I was in my fourth year hosting on ESPN Radio Network and broadcasting college football on TV (not on ESPN, though). By the end ’03, I was unemployed. After 14 years in sportscasting, I thought I would easily land a new job.
Oops.
I knew sportscasting, but I knew nothing about the job market. I didn’t know where jobs were or how to get them.
STAA was started to help you avoid my mistakes so you can get your next job faster.
STAA is for sports broadcasting job-seekers who are highly motivated. They want information about what to do, then are eager to do it for themselves. People who are looking for someone to do the work for them are not a fit for STAA.
Joining STAA is like a gym membership. Some sign up and do nothing. Some sign up and change everything. It’s not up to the gym. It’s up to you.
“The most valuable part of my STAA membership is the accessibility to Jon Chelesnik. I have yet to be unable to reach Jon for advice on the phone and not have him be there. STAA has provided me with specific one-on-one advice whenever I’ve needed it.”
Alex Gold
Sports Talk Host, ESPN Boise
(Member since 2011)
Ever been disappointed when you see a new hire announcement for a job that you didn’t even know was open? Our free guide will help you uncover the hidden sports broadcasting job market.
Discover the hidden job marketWhen you’re an STAA member you are no longer walking the sportscasting career path alone.
These are the folks providing backup any time you need it.
Founder & CEO
AKA your personal career consultant
When I realized the NBA had no interest in slow guards who can’t shoot, I decided that broadcasting sports was the next best career option. Play-by-play in McPherson, KS and sports radio and TV in San Diego led to four years hosting on ESPN Radio Network.
Working on-air is the first way I learned the industry.
After ESPN, I failed in my effort to get a job in local radio. Learning how not to get a job in sports broadcasting is the second way I learned the industry.
Eventually, I started helping other sportscasters build their careers. I began asking employers what they look for when hiring talent. I haven’t stopped asking since.
Daily contact with employers is the third way I continue learning the industry.
Sometimes, I miss being on air. However, being home at night and on weekends with my wife and our son is worth the trade-off. We love reading, playing board games and going to the beach together. I also binge on Friday Night Lights re-runs. Along with Leave it to Beaver, FNL is the best show ever made.
Digital Content Coordinator
AKA the Talent Page Queen
The summer of my fifteenth year on earth began with a break for goal on the soccer pitch. My attempt to dodge a defender ended in a torn ACL and meniscus. The injury ultimately ended my quest for a spot on the Olympic soccer team…but it also provided the time and opportunity to indulge another interest – designing graphics and websites.
A few years later, I thought I might spin my love of the beautiful game into a broadcasting job, which is how I ended up in Jon’s sports broadcasting class at Palomar College.
Before I knew it, I was here. A cinema graduate with a ten-year career that began as a part-time gig coding Talent Page’s at the newly founded STAA. My job is multifaceted and centers on helping sportscasters have an awesome, satisfying career of their own.
When I’m not working, you’ll probably find me reading, making some kind of art, hanging with my friends and/or siblings (#TeamTurori), or sharing my Cook Islands culture at a Pacific Islander event.
That one summer afternoon at practice was the worst day of my 15-year old life. Until it turned out to be one of the best things that ever happened to me.
When Jon was a basketball walk-on at Kansas State University, his teammates included current Hall of Famer Mitch Richmond.
Having grown up on a small ranch, Mel’s apocalypse survival skills include milking a goat (or cow).
Jon’s wife spent 14 years as a middle school science teacher.
When it’s Jon’s turn to make dinner, it’s usually some combination of chicken and rice or pasta.
Mel was homeschooled K-12. The first time she set foot in a “real” classroom was to take the SAT’s. The second was freshman year of college.
One of Jon’s most influential life mentors was John Wooden, though they never met.
After purchasing Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Mel read all 607 pages in less than 24 hours.
Jon once ate 18 glazed donuts in a single sitting.
Mel is half Cook Islander and was born in New Zealand.
You’ll discover my best advice for developing your on-air skills and career on the STAA blog.
Read Our BlogSTAA’s public job board lists openings in sports radio and TV.
Find Sportscasting JobsFrom broadcast prep materials to the industry renowned STAA Play-by-Play and Sports Talk Pyramids, these are resources to help your career.
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