Sports Media Comm 312

1. Sports MediaComm 312 October 4, 2007 Russ Maloney

2. The Basic Formula • Set the play • Follow the ball • See the field/court • End the play • Score/Time

3. Bender • Setting the Situation • Identification • Commentary

4. Play-By-Play - The Little Things What differentiates an average announcer from a hall-of-famer? • Use of language • Correct and Appropriate • Put listeners at the game • Learn to look around you

5. Play-By-Play - The Little Things What differentiates an average announcer from a hall-of-famer? • Style follows substance • Style is not a substitute for the basics • Preparation • Finding stuff no one else does

6. Play-by-Play - Do’s and Don’ts 10.) Don’t use numbers on the radio 9.) Don’t use stats without a reason 8.) Don’t speculate on injuries 7.) Don’t broadcast the National Anthem 6.) Don’t blow off your sponsors

7. Play-by-Play - Do’s and Don’ts 5.) Don’t make a big deal about mistakes 4.) Do check the book for starting lineups 3.) Do know the rules 2.) Do determine pronunciations beforehand 1.) Do have fun, but don’t cross the line

8. Play-by-Play - The Basics How do you do play-by-play? • Inform the audience • What’s the Score? • Describe the action • Paint word pictures • Court Geography (MORE descriptive) • Know your way around the field

9. Play-by-Play - The Basics How do you do play-by-play? • Vary the description (MORE descriptive) • Don’t be boring • Emotion is important • Be coherent; Save something for later • Maintain Objectivity • The referees aren’t that bad

10. Color Commentary vs P-B-P It is the play-by-play announcer’s role to explain what is happening. It is the color commentator’s role to explain why it is happening.

11. Color Commentary How do you do color commentary? • Play your role - add to the broadcast • Don’t mimic play-by-play announcer • Know your capabilities • Don’t make things up • Know when to talk • Say a lot in very little time

12. Color Commentary How do you do color commentary? • Help your partner • Correct mistakes off-air • Do your homework • Talk to people • Promote Teamwork • Keep personal conflicts off the air

13. Additional Roles Sideline Reporting and Producing

14. Sideline Reporting • Add to the broadcast • Unique insight • Fact finding • Instant interviews • Take cues from the booth DO NOT DO COLOR COMMENTARY!

15. Producing/Engineering • Be quiet and stay out of the way! • Talk when necessary • Listen always • Anticipate what’s coming up • Be prepared for disaster DO NOT DO SOMETHING STUPID!

16. Final Thoughts • Professionalism • Dress like it • Act like it • Make friends with the producer • Thank those who help you. • You never know who’s listening!