TV and Live Sports Programming
Historically, attending live sporting events or listening in on the radio were the only ways to be part of the action. With the introduction of television and online streaming, the way we interact with sports has forever changed. There’s an incredible amount of work that goes on behind the scenes, and all of it relies on technology.
Personal Connection
- Do you love sports?
- Have you always wanted to work in the TV industry?
- Do you want to be part of the action in sports either behind or in front of the camera?
- Are you interested in learning the ins and outs of producing television and live events?
Other Connections
STEM Connection
Streaming services embrace live sports and bring them to a wider audience:
Streaming apps and social media allow users to bring sports to their smartphones:
Advancements in replay technology give viewers new perspectives:
AR and VR to bring fans into the action:
Journeys to Becoming a TV and Live Sports Programmer
Bob Goodrich started his career as an All-American football player, but now is one of television’s most respected and admired sports producers. Growing up in Dallas, Texas, Bob played football for Woodrow Wilson High School. His calling to work as a sports producer was inspired by his dad, who worked as a minister and bishop and produced and hosted a live weekly television show called “The Pastor Calls.”
While playing football for the renowned Southern Methodist University in his hometown, Bob received his bachelor’s degree in psychology as well as playing tight end on a team that won the 1966 Southwest Conference Championship.
Early in his career, Bob started working part-time for ABC Sports performing various duties on sports telecasts. This hands-on experience and working with a legendary mentor earned him a full-time position a year later as a production assistant. Only two short years later, Bob became an associate producer and three years after that he was promoted to a full producer. Bob’s dedication and perseverance certainly paid off!
Read more about Bob’s journey here
Read about one woman’s journey into sports broadcasting:
If you follow sports you have probably heard of Hannah Storm, the first female host of CNN Sports Tonight. Hannah grew up in a household of athletes and her dad worked as a sports executive. But even with a supportive family, she faced many difficulties forging a career as a woman in the sports industry.
“I was told everything from, ‘I’ll hire a woman to do sports over my dead body’ to ‘My audience will never accept a woman sportscaster’ to ‘Why don’t you just try feature reporting,’” wrote Storm. “I couldn’t even get an agent to take me on. Quite simply, almost no one wanted a woman, even someone with experience, to work in sports at their station.”
Hannah didn’t let that deter her, though. She was determined to work in broadcasting, so she pursued radio, working as a DJ on the weekends and as a weekday sportscaster for a Houston radio station. This work experience helped launch her career into sports broadcasting where she was hired by networks such as NBC Sports, CBS, and CNN.