About Sports Broadcasting Schools

If you've got the talent and perseverance, sports broadcasting can be a fun and exciting career. Job opportunities exist in sports broadcasting both on and off-air, in television or radio. Those interested in pursuing a broadcasting career may choose to learn their craft in school. There are many options available for those seeking an education in sports broadcasting.

College

The best way to get a formal education in sports broadcasting is by attending a college or university to study broadcasting, journalism or communications. Some students major in kinesiology to learn about sports while they minor in a communications field. In college, you will learn skills such as writing and editing for broadcast and public speaking. Many colleges have equipment used by radio and television broadcasters on which you can practice like radio boards, audio and video editing programs, TV cameras and sound equipment. Some colleges have student-run radio and television stations and assuming you're willing to learn and work hard, they will likely let you participate with little or no experience.
Education-portal.com recommends three public universities as the most prestigious for sports broadcasting students. At Indiana University at Bloomington, you can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Broadcast Sports Communication. This program is offered by the Department of Kinesiology and the Department of Telecommunications. There you will learn about the mechanics of sports and the principles of media writing and technology. A second school renowned for its sports broadcasting program is Oklahoma State University in Stillwater where you can get a Bachelor of Science in Sports Media. Part of the Department of Journalism, this program boasts connections to the nation's biggest sports media companies. You may be lucky enough to land an internship at ESPN or another major sports media outlet. And last, the University of Texas at Austin has one of the best journalism programs in the nation, offering a sports journalism program with a specialty in broadcasting. While at UT, you should join a student organization such as the Texas Broadcasters, the Society for News Design or the Society of Professional Journalists. Such organizations can provide you with invaluable education, connections and internships--you should seek them out at whatever college you attend.

Trade Schools

There are broadcasting trade schools where you can learn to be a sports broadcaster. Although not as valuable as a four-year college degree, a trade school education can help you learn the skills to land a job. You will likely spend most of your time in the school's radio or TV studios learning how to operate media technology. According to Broadcastingschools.com, trade schools typically teach news and sports writing and announcing, digital production, computerized broadcast technology and control room operation. Some schools facilitate internships and apprenticeships for their students at media organizations. Such real world training is very valuable.
The benefits of attending a trade school as compared to a college include a shorter time commitment, less expense and more lax entrance requirements. Drawbacks include a less comprehensive education and a less prestigious degree. Also, there are trade schools that are essentially "diploma mills" that care more about taking your money than giving you a good education. Before you pay tuition at a trade school, check with the Better Business Bureau and ask around at your local college's journalism department to find out about the school's reputation.

Online Programs

Probably the least effective way to learn sports broadcasting is through an online program. Students enrolled in online programs typically communicate with teachers and fellow students via email, message boards and chat rooms. Education-portal.com says online lessons are taught using methods such as web conferencing, prerecorded lectures, teleconferences and bulletin boards. Such programs may be beneficial to working parents or other people that can't attend classes. However, the lack of regular hands-on training and personal interaction with teachers and classmates is a drawback. Broadcasting requires certain natural talents and abilities, and if you are unable to practice them because you're stuck behind a computer, it may be difficult to know whether it's the right job for you.

Accreditation

Whether you attend a university, trade school or learn online, seek out programs that are accredited. This means "the program has met the values and standards that the broadcast journalism industry has established for schools of higher learning," says Broadcastingschools.com. Check with the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC) or the United States Department of Education to see if a program is accredited.

No Formal Education Required

There is more than one road to a career in sports broadcasting as not all companies require a degree. Many successful television and radio sports broadcasters have not received any formal education in broadcasting. Often times sports knowledge, talent, networking and sometimes just plain luck can get you the job. If you can "get your foot in the door" at a media outlet by applying, for example, to be a radio board operator or an intern at a television station, and you impress them with your hard work and talent, you can rise to the ranks of professional sports broadcaster. Look for entry level openings in radio and television trade magazines and websites, or simply go to a station and fill out an application. Attend station events and media conventions to meet broadcasters; they may have good advice or an inside track to an open position.

References

• Broadcastingschools.com
• Education-Portal.com

Resources

• The Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication
• The United States Department of Education