Sports is an integral part of many of our lives. The broadcasting of sports is the art of live coverage in which one or more commentators describe what is happening on television, radio, or online.
Over the past couple of decades, viewers have been shifting from watching sports on TV or listening to it on the radio to using their mobile phones, laptops, or tablets. In other words, online broadcasting has gained prominence.
One broadcasting organisation does not have to necessarily focus on a specific sport. They may cover, for example, football (soccer), horseracing, rugby, basketball, cricket, athletics, and tennis.
Not every organisation is allowed to create and analyse sports content. Broadcasting contracts and rights limit who can comment and broadcast what. For example, in the United Kingdom, Sky UK based its early marketing largely on its acquisition of the broadcasting rights of the top division of English league football, which as part of the deal with The Football Association, broke away from The Football League to become the Premier League.
If you want to pursue a career as a football commentator, you need to know what you are talking about, have a clear voice, and express yourself clearly and eloquently. You also need to know how to interview sportspeople. In many cases, commentators are retired footballers, cricketers, baseball players, tennis champions etc.
Benefits of sports broadcasting
Increases the reach
Not everyone has the privilege of watching a game at the venue. Broadcasting does away with the geographical barrier of reach. With modern technology, people can watch and/or listen to running commentaries of matches from anywhere in the world as long as they have a TV, radio, smartphone, or other communication device.
Multiple analysis
Broadcasting companies, and even individual commentators, develop unique styles when describing matches, tournaments, or competitions. Sports enthusiasts and the public in general can gain insight from multiple points of view.
Some commentators provide additional information, such as the past performances of select players, coaches, and managers, and the likelihood of certain teams or individuals winning a tournament or reaching the top of their league, etc.
Improves the experience
Broadcasting platforms gather and analyze data on viewers or listeners. Feedback forms and surveys are common. Those that are sensitive to consumer feeback and respond accordingly, typically become the most popular.
Global audience
Initially, the broadcasting of sports was aimed at the domestic market. British and American commentators addressed their fellow Britons and Americans respectively.
Since the advent of the Internet, how we communicate, work, study, seek information, have fun, and shop has changed significantly. Watching our favourite sports is no exception. Online sports is a global market.
A commentator in Australia may be listenined to by people on the other side of the world if they are online. The Broadcaster’s audience today is typically international, especially if their commentaries are in English or Spanish.
What does it take to be a good sports broadcaster?
- Being able to analyze situations, data, likely outcomes, etc. is a crucial skill.
- Look for the best games and make it work.
- Consider people’s opinions and then make a call.
- Listen with a critical ear.
- Distribute your content evenly.
According to a major study, people today commonly go online when seeking sports commentaries and analysis. Successful broadcasters are those that can provide fans and other consumers with what they want.
According to global sports broadcaster Barnardonwind, as long as you are aware of what people’s tastes and priorities are, and you are bursting with enthusiasm, you have a good chance of becoming a top broadcaster of sports. You also need to know what you are talking about!
Interesting related article: “What is Media?”