Employers

Most sports broadcasters work for television networks or radio stations. The large sports networks also employ many broadcasters. Radio sportscasters are hired by radio stations that range from small stations to mega-stations.

Sports announcers work for professional sports arenas, sports teams, minor league and major league ball teams, colleges and universities, and high schools. Because sports are popular all over the country, there are opportunities everywhere, although the smaller the town, the fewer the opportunities. 

Starting Out

Although an exceptional audition recording might land you an on-camera or on-air job, most sportscasters get their start by writing copy, answering phones, operating cameras or equipment, or assisting the sportscaster with other jobs. Internships or part-time jobs will give you the opportunity to become comfortable in front of a camera or behind a microphone. Of course, contacts within the industry come in handy. In many cases, it is simply an individuals devotion to the sport and the job that makes the difference—that and being in the right place at the right time.

Put together an audio recording (if you are applying for a radio job or an announcer position) or a video (for television jobs) that showcases your abilities. On the recording, give your account of the sports events that took place on a certain day.

In the early stages of their careers, sportscasters might advance from a sports copywriter position to become an actual broadcaster. Later in their careers, sportscasters advance by moving to larger and larger markets, beginning with local television stations and advancing to one of the major networks.

Sportscasters who work in radio may begin in a similar way; advancement for these individuals might come in the form of a better time slot for a sports show, or the chance to give more commentary.

Sports announcers advance by adding to the number of teams for whom they provide public address announcements. Some sports announcers also may start out working for colleges and minor leagues and then move up to major league work.

Work on your high school or college radio station to obtain experience.

Contact sports teams to inquire about internship opportunities. Additionally, the Association for Women in Sports Media offers an internship program that has placed nearly 200 female college students interested in sports media careers in paid summer internships. Visit http://awsmonline.org/internships-scholarships for more information.

Make a demo recording of your work as a sports announcer and submit it to sports teams.

Visit https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/sports-broadcasting-jobs and https://www.naspaa.net for job listings. 

The National Association of Sports Public Announcers offers its members the Announcers Critique and Evaluation Service. This is a great way to assess your skill level and receive suggestions to improve your delivery (tone, pitch, pace, etc.).