How to prepare
for a Sports Broadcast
By: Jason Groth
There are many different
types of media mediums for covering sporting events. They all range
from print, television, and then radio. I'm going to teach you how to
prepare for a Sports Radio broadcast. The steps that I'm going to list
are the steps I try to take before I go into any radio broadcast for
a sporting event.
Step 1: Review. the game tape from the previous broadcast and
critique the broadcast. I think you need to work out the kinks from
week to week and make the broadcast top notch. Also, I have other people
listen to the broadcast and take their opinions and try to work on what
they say they think needs to be improved.
Step 2: Research, about three to five nights before
the game, print off the stats and information on the two teams involved
in the game. This is an important step in being prepared for the game.
I normally print off as much information on the two teams as I possibly
can.
Step 3: Study, after printing off the notes, try to
study the notes and find important information that could be used in
the pre-game show, halftime, post-game, and during the game. While reviewing
the notes highlight the important information and make it easy to access
for the broadcast. I tend to highlight important information on the
top players from last week's game to the season and find more information
that can be used during the game.
Step 4: Memorize the rosters of both teams. It is key
to a good broadcast to know the names and numbers of the teams involved
going into the broadcast instead of looking over the roster during the
game and not knowing the names and numbers beforehand. I normally highlight
the key starters in one color on the depth chart and then I highlight
other players with a different color, Be prepared for changes on the
fly so having a simple plan you can use will benefit your broadcast.
Step 5: Revise, On our broadcasts try to stick to a
simple format and before the games revise that format and make sure
there is enough news and notes to follow that format for the pre-game
show. We normally do a practice run through of the pre-game show to
be prepared for the actual run through on the air.
Step 6: On site preparations. Try to get to the arena
or field early so you can set up your equipment and also watch over
their pre-game routine. From this you can find out many different things.
Watching the players in warm-ups you can find many interesting things
that can help out your broadcast. I have found this step to be a good
one for the broadcast. You can find many different tendancies and be
able to bring this into your broadcast.
Step 7: Review and prepare the game notes that were printed
off earlier and get ready to go on the air for the pre-game show. Also,
to prepare my broadcast partner and I try to do a quick run through
of the pre-game show and practice calling plays that they run in practice
to get ready for the actual game and that helps you relax before you
go on-air live.
I prefer covering events over the radio, because of the challenge it
presents. The Listeners that tune into the radio are unable to attend
the game and you need to be able to paint them a picture of what is
going on at the event. You are always keeping the listener's informed
and trying to give them a picture to visualize while they are listening
to the game live.
There are many steps, which
I take to prepare for a broadcast; however there are different ways
one could go about it. This way is just one of the many ways one could
prepare themselves for a radio sports broadcast. |
Sports
Broadcast Materials
These are materials
I would recommend using before and during your broadcast. You never
know when you will use them but it is always better to have them handy
so when that time comes up and your not caught off guard.
Team rosters- This is the sheet that lists the players
and their uniform numbers. Perhaps the most important material a broadcaster
will use. Without the rosters your broadcast could go horribly wrong.
Depth charts-
This takes team roster one step further, and is perhaps the greatest
tool for a broadcaster. This chart lists the starters and back ups by
positions.
Player
and coach information- This helps the broadcaster give background
information on certain performers in that day's broadcast.
Injury
report-This is also important, as it is key for the announcer
to let the listeners know who is playing hurt and who is unavailable
for today's game due to injury.
History
of the series- Helps in giving a review and a preview of the
upcoming game by using the results of past games.
Review
of last week’s game- Same with the history of the series
this helps set up a preview of game being broadcast and gives the broadcaster
things to expect for the game being broadcasted.
Highlighter-
This tool seems to be simple however during the broadcast preperations
this becomes the broadcaster's number one tool. Highlighting key stats
makes it easier for the announcer to find certain stats and information
quickly during the broadcast.
Related links
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