I am a television broadcaster

I fulfilled a lifelong dream this weekend.

For as long as I can remember, I had wanted to broadcast a sporting event live on television and this past Saturday and Sunday I got that chance. Myself and a group of 18 crecomms helped out Steve Dreger with his IPP and I served as the play-by-play announcer.

Steve and I called the game on Shaw and were backed up by a crew of our classmates. The entire production was done by us students and I think it turned out pretty well.

Here are some of the things that stand out to me from the weekend:

- Preparation is so key when doing play-by-play. You can't just go off the cuff and you need to have stories prepared about all of the players.
- The on-air portion of a broadcast is just the tip of the iceberg. They can do absolutely nothing without a strong crew behind them. I had no idea how much work went on behind the scenes.
- On-air personalities are really skilled. People on TV aren't just pretty faces or talking heads. To be on camera is a definite skill. You need to always seem cheery and full of energy, even if you may not be. It's definitely an art form.
- We all have a lot to learn. In school, we may think we've learned a lot and are ready to go out into the working world right away. There's no denying that we can do a lot and that we've got all the skills needed to get out there but we still have many skills that need perfecting. True professionals no so many tricks of the trade that will only come with experience.

And the three most important things:

- Gateway Rec Centre is literally at the end of the world. It is so far away from everything.
- Standing all day when doing commentary will lead to sore, sore feet
- Free pizza for the crew goes a long way towards helping moral.

All in all, this was a terrific learning experience and hopefully Shaw will give our young but talented crew a chance to learn more on the job. And maybe even get paid.

If you're interested, our broadcast airs tonight (Monday Feb. 7) on Shaw.

keith