Changing media in the Wide World of Sports
SAN MARCOS, Texas — Sports broadcasters and talk radio hosts share information on covering sports in media and how it’s changing in the new digital age at Mass Comm Week on Friday.
In a session titled “Play Ball: Sports in Media”, the four panelists, two of whom are Texas State alumni, gave experiences and tips on the world of sports media and the foreseeable challenges in this field.
Host on ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM Matt McClearin said that opening your availability and having to sacrifice your time to get that exposure can set you apart from your peers.
“If this is what you want to do, you have to be the one that’s always willing. You can’t say no,” McClearin said.
Another Dallas talk radio host and reporter Lane Lewis of 105.3 The Fan echoed his peer and said it takes time to get to the job you want and the waiting game is one you have to play.
“It’s a tough business, you have to be all in and you have to be patient,” Lewis said.
Director of Broadcasting for the San Antonio Spurs Sports and Entertainment Mike Kickirillo said networking now in your college years plays a big role in the potential jobs you can land later on down the line.
“Make connections now at this level and use them as a resource to help get you to where you want to be. Making connections will help when looking for that particular job you want,” said Kickirillo.
Kickirillo also mentioned that since we are in a digital age, you have to be ready to change what you’re doing to fit what’s going on now.
“I went from using a razor blade and having to cut audio that way to being able to use my phone. Be ready for change, because change is going to happen. Be adaptable,” Kickirillo said.
The panel mentioned that you need to be a jack-of-all-trades in order to get your name out and show future employers that you are versatile. Texas State University Sportscaster Brant Freeman said that upcoming reporters should stay broad in the early stages of their career before trying to find their niche.
“You wanna do as many things and cover as many topics as possible. I think that once you start doing it professionally, you will find that niche,” Freeman said.
By: Garfield Harrison