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Sports commentators describe what's happening at sporting events and offer their opinions to listeners and viewers.
You could work: evenings / weekends / bank holidays; away from home
You could specialise in one sport or commentate on a range of different ones. Typically you would:
You could work on a sports field, at a recording studio or at a sports arena.
Your working environment may be noisy, crowded, outdoors some of the time and you'll travel often.
You can get into this job through:
There is no set entry route to become a sports commentator but it may be useful to get a degree in a relevant subject like:
You'll usually need:
Higher apprenticeships relevant to this role include:
You could get started 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 applying for promotion when you've got more experience.
You'll need to show employers that you have the sports knowledge and commentating skills that they're looking for.
You'll need to have some practical experience and be able to show you have a real enthusiasm for sports commentating.
To get some work experience you could:
You can get a list of radio stations from:
Look out for work experience placements, insight and talent days with broadcasters like:
The Sports Journalists Association has more ideas about where to look for work experience.
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.
As a sports professional, you may start off as a co-commentator or summariser, offering a specialist opinion on the action and tactical insights, before progressing to lead commentator.
Competition for jobs is very strong and very few jobs are advertised. Building up a network of industry contacts can help you find out about vacancies.
You'll need to record examples of your commentating to show your skills to potential employers.
You could join the Sports Journalists' Association for training opportunities and to make industry contacts.
You can find out more about careers in radio sports commentating from The Pips.
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.
You could join the Sports Journalists' Association for training opportunities and to make industry contacts.
You can find out more about careers in sports commentating from The Pips and BBC Academy.