Board Blog: Work hard, be patient

My dream when I entered the world of college broadcasting and part of my professional background is in the sports area of our field, so I found the latest edition of Radio Ink’s ranking of the Top 30 sports talk shows in the nation (at least of those nominated) to be insightful reading.

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Warren Kozireski, CBI Immediate Past President

Each was asked to give advice to aspiring sports broadcasters and, even if you not pursuing or interested in sports, their thoughts are applicable to just about any area of the media field.

Mike Flegler of the Flegler and Mazz show in Boston said, “Most anyone who has a job a young broadcaster would want had to work for years and years to reach that level. Our current show started in 2009, when I was 40 years old. Finally, the job I always wanted to have. It took me 18 years. And it could end at any moment. Work your ass off and be patient.”

Mike Mulligan of the Mully and Hanley show in Chicago says, “Know your subject. Know the background of it. Know as much as you can about the people you are covering or talking about. Differentiate yourself by learning as much as you can about a subject in order to speak knowledgeably about it. Content is king.”

And Dan Berstein of the Boers and Bernstein show in Chicago offers, “Nothing replaces the years actually on various beats (as a reporter or columnist). Traveling on the road, establishing relationships with players and coaches, and understanding the truths in sports that can only be learned over time as a part of everyday life. The idea of breaking into the business is misguided. I think, since quality broadcasting most often comes from someone who knows how to write and report, and form well-considered opinions.”

And finally Michael Kay from New York City says that, if sports is your passion, you’ll need to build your reputation everywhere you can, “no matter what the platform. Don’t shy away from podcasts or blogs—just get your name out there and work 10 times harder and longer than the next person.”

I couldn’t have said it better myself.[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]