As an aspiring sports broadcaster, there are many reporters or on-air personalities who I could look up to and try to model myself after. What I like to listen to as a viewer is someone that has their own unique style when broadcasting. There is Mike Breen, an NBA play-by-play announcer who has his signature call “BANG” when a player makes a three-point shot or starts to “heat up” as they say in basketball. It makes the moment that much better to experience with that call. Joe Buck who knows when to fluctuate the volume of his voice at the right moments in any sport he broadcasts. While those two are a few of my favorites, my all-time, go to broadcaster that I looked up to ever since I was young was Chris Berman. To me, there was so much to learn from him as he seemed to check all the boxes of what anyone would want to listen to in a broadcaster.
The first reason he inspires me is his versatility as a broadcaster. He isn’t limited to just one particular portion of the broadcasting industry, he makes himself available to do anything that is asked of him or whatever he is interested in. Play-by-play football broadcasting, hosting Sunday NFL Countdown before football games, narrating baseballs home run derby, being an analyst whenever one is needed and even writing the occasional article as well. It’s something that I have adopted into my approach of becoming a broadcaster. As an announcer and DJ for UW-Madison’s WSUM I try to expand my skills to sports I may not be very familiar with just to get the experience so I can make myself as indispensable as possible.
Another reason I am inspired by Chris Berman is his on-air personality that is very unique which makes him stand out and become a once in a lifetime announcer. He is able to change the tone of his voice for emphasis or even to get some laughs as well. His signature sayings are also where he might bring out that change in his voice that works so well. Berman may even cough a few times to make the connection to a football player fumbling the ball which relates to the analogy of “coughing it up” which will usually get a good reaction from viewers. Being unique is something I try to incorporate into my routine whenever I am broadcasting. Trying to find a catch phrase or trademark saying is what every broadcaster wants to be known for and there is none better look up to than Chris Berman.
While my Dad may be the guy that inspires me the most as a person, Chris Berman is the broadcaster I have looked up to since I was younger when I wanted to get into the broadcasting industry. The respect that all his co-workers had for him as well is something that is inspiring to look up to. If I could become just 50 percent of what Chris Berman’s career ended up being then I think I would have reached the very top of my career goals. Small steps in the process to reach where I want to go and having Chris Berman’s career as a guide is something I’m glad I have to help me reach my goals.
The Final Final 