Author Archives: tkxs

TV vs. Radio

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In my first two blogs I’ve gone over some of the keys to sports reporting. I spoke on some tactics to help you stick out in a crowd and I also spoke briefly on how it is important to never quit on what you want to do regardless of failures. Today I want to focus on choosing a field that fits you best when talking about reporting. You need to decide if you would be best suited for television, radio or the possibility of making a splash in both.

When it comes to sports reporting one thing you cannot avoid is having to write about the events that you attend. Writing comes with the business so it’s something you’ll have to deal with whether you want to focus on television or the radio. Aside from that and a few other similarities there are many different aspects that impact both fields in separate ways.

First things first you need to look at all of the different positions there are when it comes to reporting sports on television and the radio. You need to look at the off-air positions and see if they interest you. Remember the aspect of getting the program you’re reporting for on the air is just as important as the people that are seen on the broadcast. Producers and directors are commonly overlooked when it comes to a production and this may be one of the biggest oversights in media. Even working on the sidelines is something that can help you to get into that top position in that spotlight that you have been trying for.

Now that we have looked at the behind the scenes aspects of both fields let’s talk about the thing that everyone looks to become, the on air positions. Though both fields (radio and television) contain similar speaking positions they also have many many differences. Let’s focus on how to convey you’re event on both of the outlets.

Let’s start with radio because ive found this to be the more difficult of the two. Obviously, the biggest issue with radio is that the viewer can’t see what you are looking at. Because of this you need to paint a much more vivid picture. You need to describe everything that happens at all times. You need to be speaking constantly. In some cases, talking to much can ruin a broadcast but here it only helps the picture you’re trying to create.

Now television is a bit of an easier outlet but nonetheless takes some work and you need to speak with distinction and convey a vivid picture of what’s happening around you. However, the thing about television that’s most obvious is that, They’re watching it on television! You obviously still need to be descriptive but the picture you paint can be less vivid and you can let the action speak for itself.

All forms of media outlets require a large amount of work and it takes a committed person to be good at it. But with practice anything can become possible. What kind of position do you think would best fit you in the field of sports media? Leave a comment below and don’t forget to subscribe!

Perseverance

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In my first blog we discussed some tips to help better separate yourself in the field of broadcast media. But to use these tips you first need to make a splash in the industry, but how can this be done? Well first things first lets talk about going out and getting yourself involved.

The most important part of sports media is going out and making yourself noticed. Many people get discouraged when they are deterred from doing exactly what they set out to do inn the field of sports media. So many people think its as easy as going out there and being put exactly where they want to be. This however is the farthest thing from the case. Work needs to be put in at the lower levels in order to make a name for yourself to rise up to where you need to be.

The biggest and most important step is to except whatever job you’re given. If you want to jump right into being say a play by play announcer for football expect there to be hundreds others with the same idea as you. If you don’t get where you want to be don’t be discouraged! If you get put doing a sport you don’t enjoy doing something unfamiliar to you then you need to attack it with everything you have. People will notice this and begin to see you as a hard worker and you’re likely to gain more of a following amongst your colleagues.

People are to common to quit when they don’t get what they want in this industry. Once they have been rejected from their top job. You need to realize that the more that you know about everything the more likely you are to progress in the field. As I mentioned earlier if youre trying to do something particular in a field there are likely many others vying for the same position. Having a wide skill set can set you apart and even give you the opportunity to get more money at more positions with a wider range of skills.

The biggest thing I want to convey in this blog is to keep people from getting discouraged in this field. People need to realize the vast number of people in this job all go for the same jobs. Keep your head up and learn as much as possible. As corny as the saying is “knowledge is power”, and that is none more true in this business today. Stay positive and never give up on anything!

Reporter’s Tips From Reporters

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This is my first post on my blog and I hope you enjoy everything we have to offer here at the Reporters Report!

Our main focus here is to inform you on everything going on in the world of reporting. We will focus on everything from new developments in the business, major stories going on in the world of reporting today and even some tips on how to succeed in the reporting world. For our first post were going to look at how to survive in world of media that so many people have trouble thriving in.

We’re going through a time of change in the world of sports media. There is no longer a clear cut front runner at the lead of everything. With top stations like ESPN losing talent to other leading stations what keeps people relevant in a constantly changing industry? Well to understand exactly what it takes let’s look at a few tips on how to separate yourself from others all striving to achieve the same goal as you are. You also need to compete with the likes of ex athletes who have decided to hang up their jerseys and make their way into the other side of the business.

If we look at the top of the industry today we can see a few things in common with everyone at the top. Most of them are very knowledgeable in their respected spot of expertise. Above all having great knowledge on what you’re talking about can save you I the business. Some of the top people in this business are where they are today because they worked hard for years gaining a vast knowledge on what they speak on and write about today. A lengthy knowledge on any subject will go a long way and gain you a lot of respect.

As knowledge is very important we see that now more and more it’s not all that matters. As the industry changes if knowledge isn’t valued as much then what else is there? Well for some people they have gained prominence in this business by simply using shock value to make their way to the top. People like Skip Bayless have climbed to the top of the media by making claims that get people talking. Using claims that may not be very popular or maybe even absurd to some people is something that is sure to catch other attention. Remember all press is good press, isn’t that what they say? In the world of sports media if you’re being talked about by others then you must be doing something right.

The final thing I’d like to talk on that can help anyone to gain success in this business is the absolute need to stand out. You have to look a there are thousands of people all looking to get the same job. You need a way to stand out, something that people will notice and recognize above all other people. We look at the people who have made it onto television today the all have their own niche. Whether they act ridiculously dress distinctively (a vibrant suit or a wacky tie) the only way to be noticed is to stand out in a crowd.

Much work goes into becoming a successful sports reporter and I have only listed a few things that will help in becoming noticed. I hope you have enjoyed our first post and will tune in for more on all things sports reporting! Remember just because you’re done playing doesn’t mean that the dream has ended.

Kevin Bohan