Commentary advice

Here’s some advice I regard as important that I feel could be valuable for anyone that is thinking about a career in broadcasting, given the experience I have had over the last 25 years.

You are not the story

Unless you’re a host on your own radio show, a Roy Keane or Ally McCoist, chances are no one is tuning in for you. The broadcaster of live sport is not the story, they tell the story.

Don’t have an ego

Treat everyone the same. Say hello, be courteous. I was once a runner, making tea and grabbing sandwiches. You know who the idiots are and it will stick. The runner might one day be the producer or the lead commentator.

Treat every job as the same

Not every commentary will pay the same but if someone is taking the time to watch or listen it’s important to them. Doesn’t matter if it it’s a few hundred people or a few million. Make it the best broadcast you can do. You never know who is watching.

Grab every opportunity

Who knows where an opportunity may lead. Don’t rest on your laurels. Be a step ahead too. Most work in broadcasting is not on a staff basis. Most commentators are self employed. TV rights can change too. Adapt and evolve.

Take criticism in a positive way

Not easy to do. But use it to improve. Someone has taken the time to give you feedback. Believe me, that doesn’t happen often.

Don’t expect to get rich

Sports broadcasting and commentary can pay well. And for the top 1%, there is the chance of big money. But if it’s getting rich is what you’re after, look elsewhere.

It’s unsocial and not always glamorous

Like in any work / life balance, sometimes sacrifices are made. Sport can happen any time of day and any day of the week. I have missed kids birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, a lot of social occasions.

But I wouldn’t change it

Think I would say I love my work more today than ever before. It still excites. No day is the same as the last. The gloss hasn’t worn off and I’m as enthused as the day I started.