Sports commentator

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• volunteering
• applying directly

University

There is no set entry route to become a sports commentator but it can be useful to study for a degree in a related subject like:

• journalism
• sports journalism
• TV and radio production
• sports business and broadcasting

Entry requirements:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You may be able to apply for a place on an apprenticeship to get into this job, for example:

• Journalist Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship
• Senior Journalist Level 7 Apprenticeship - leading to a professional qualification

Entry requirements:

Work

You could start by working as a broadcast assistant in a television or radio company.

You'll need to work your way up from commentating at a local level and by applying for promotion as you get more experience.

You'll also need to show employers that you have the sports knowledge and commentating skills that they're looking for.

Volunteering

For most jobs, you'll need some practical experience and be able to show you have a real enthusiasm for sports commentating.

To get work experience you could:

• volunteer to commentate on charity events like fun runs
• commentate at matches or meets for local amateur sports clubs
• record commentary for websites or internet radio stations
• volunteer for community, hospital or student radio

You can get a list of radio stations from:

• Community Media Association
• Hospital Broadcasting Association
• Radiocentre

Look out for work experience placements, insight and talent days with broadcasters like:

• ITV
• Channel 4
• the BBC , including their New Voices scheme

The Sports Journalists' Association has more advice about where to look for work experience .

DirectApplication

You can apply directly to employers if you've got some of the relevant skills and knowledge needed for this job. You'll usually need a background in sport or journalism.

If you're a current or ex-sports professional, you might start as a co-commentator or summariser, offering a specialist opinion, before progressing to lead commentator.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• knowledge of media production and communication
• knowledge of English language
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to use your initiative
• a good memory
• customer service skills
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• active listening skills
• the ability to read English
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• broadcasting and telecommunications knowledge
• excellent written communication skills
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• thinking and reasoning skills
• concentration skills
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace

What you'll do:

Sports commentators describe the action and give insights at sporting events for TV, radio and online audiences.

As a sports commentator, you could:

• research facts on teams, athletes, coaches or players
• describe the action as it happens and give updates on results and highlights
• take direction from the show's producer
• interview sports professionals live or for recorded clips
• work with experts who give their opinion or statistics
• update your website, blog or social media feed

Location : You could work at a recording studio, at a sports arena or on a sports field.
Environment : Your working environment may be noisy, crowded, outdoors some of the time and you'll travel often.

Salary:

Starter : variable
Experienced : variable

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

39 - 42 hours variable

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays away from home

Career Path:

You could move from short-term, freelance contract work to full-time permanent work with regional, national or international broadcasters.

With experience, you could become a studio-based presenter, move into programme making and producing, management, or written sports reporting.