In the Job Shadow: The Play-By-Play Plan for Broadcasting

by Vicki Salemi
Ian Eagle isn't the only person who knew early on that he wanted to be a sports broadcaster. Zach Links knew once he met Eagle courtside. "I was six years old and went home and started (poorly) imitating him on a tape recorder after listening to his broadcasts," he says.

Today, as a Rutgers University (NJ) sophomore and broadcast journalism major, Zach takes classes in broadcasting, news reporting, writing, communication theory classes and media system processes. When he's not writing or editing for homework, Zach does play-by-play reporting for the Rutgers' Scarlet Knights football, basketball, baseball and lacrosse games, and also co-hosts a weekly radio show. Juggling so much can require some major time management.

"I have traveled around the country doing games. Planes get delayed and weather causes more delays," says Zach. "You still have to get all your school work done and you have to make up everything you miss."

As a participant at Bruce Beck and Ian Eagle's Sports Broadcasting Camp, Zach credits first-hand practice and knowledgeable mentors with giving him a head start. "I've had practical hands-on experience the last five summers that gave me the necessary skills to get on the air and call games freshman year in Big East sports," he explains.

>> Bruce Beck & Ian Eagle's Sports Broadcasting Camp is open to students who are over 14 and eager to learn about game preparation, writing and interviewing skills, on-air presentation, and more. Get one-on-one guidance from Beck and Eagle, visits from big name New York-area broadcasters and practice assignments like calling a minor league game. Surf www.sportsbroadcastingcamp.com for more info.



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