If you’re an avid sports fan who regularly flips to ESPN or listens to a sports talk show on the radio, then you’re well aware that the way a broadcaster describes a game can make or break your enjoyment of it. That’s because good sports announcers capture the feeling of a live game for viewers and listeners, and they bring their passion for the sport to the airwaves.

To achieve that, sports royaltv01 broadcasters must have several skills. They must have an excellent speaking voice that is clear and confident, be able to interact with on-air guests and in-studio staff members, and have extensive knowledge of the sport and its history. They must also be able to work with the production team to coordinate camera angles, replays and other technical elements to enhance the audience’s viewing experience.

Beyond the Scoreboard: Highlighting Athletes' Stories in Broadcasting

A sports broadcaster’s responsibilities also include doing research and preparing for a game, so they can provide accurate commentary during the broadcast. They may review team and player statistics, study previous games and research relevant storylines or narratives to inform their commentary. They also must have effective collaboration skills to work with other staff on the production team, including producers, directors and camera operators.

Many aspiring sports broadcasters have to spend years working behind the scenes before getting their big break. That’s because the seats in front of the camera are highly coveted and often competitive. For that reason, most broadcasters are represented by agents who work to promote their careers and help them secure jobs at larger networks.