Major in Sports Broadcasting – What to Expect

High school students who want to work in sports broadcasting doing play-by-play commentary, interviewing players and more should major in Sports Broadcasting while in college. While preparing for your future can start while in high school, by attending one of our Pre-College Summer Programs in Sports Broadcasting, there's a lot more that will be covered as part of the degree program.

So, what should students look forward to? On top of the usual college course components, like lectures, reading and writing papers, there are a number of other things that will prepare students for this exciting career path. Here's what to expect.

Plenty of Experience in Front of a Microphone

Since a sports broadcaster spends a good portion of their time in front of a microphone, it makes sense that someone majoring in the subject will do the same. Working for the school radio or television stations, spending time putting together video packages for the school's website, or interning with local stations all provide this kind of experience. Sports broadcasters need to learn how to speak at a natural pace without hemming and hawing, no matter how fast the game moves. The best way to hone this skill is through experience. The more that the student practices, the better they'll get.

Fine-Tuning Writing Skills

Although sports broadcasting prepares student to work for either a radio or television station, there are some writing skills involved. After all, someone needs to write the script for the game summaries or packages that play once the game ends. It isn't all live play-by-play action. The best way for a student to enhance their sports knowledge is by writing articles for the school newspaper or interning for the local paper, covering game summaries and interviewing players for the articles that are run.

The Chance to Learn About Related Subjects

Not only do aspiring sports broadcasters need to learn more about the sports that they'll end up discussing on the radio or TV, but they also need to be well-versed in a number of other related subjects as well. Things like media ethics, sport management and professional communications will help them become well-rounded future broadcasters, as well as open the job market up for them to work in related fields, such as for a sports agency or a sports arena, where they can help market athletes or plan events.

Gaining In-Studio Skills

There's more to working for a media station than simply being in front of the microphone or camera. Students will learn how to run a station’s board and ensure that the levels stay consistent so that the broadcast sounds correct. In addition, they'll learn how to edit video packages and more. All of these skills will help them get a job in the field, whether in front of a microphone or behind the scenes.

We can help prepare you for a career in sports broadcasting. Obviously, high schoolers who want to work in the field of sports broadcasting need a college degree in the subject. Here at Dean College, we offer a bachelor's degree in Sports Broadcasting, as well as a Pre-College Summer Program for students who want to spend a week gaining some proactive experience in the field.