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Live Broadcasting
About the Production
The Bold Broadcast Group is a Toronto Metropolitan University production all about broadcasting the TMU Men's and Women's Varsity Sports Games. The aim of the Bold Broadcast Group is all about getting volunteers experience and practice with live sports broadcasts. Whether it's hockey, basketball, or volleyball, they produce high quality broadcasts that are posted on the Ontario University Athletics' streaming website.
For me personally, I have volunteered to be a play-by-play commentator for volleyball as seen above. I have also been a colour commentator for hockey, and basketball games which have helped me gain experience and practice on air.
Creative Problem and Solution
The Bold Broadcast Group focuses on the importance of gaining industry experience with live sports broadcasts. Live sports broadcasting is an extremely expensive sector of sports media, and is not easily accessible outside of the major sports networks such as TSN and ESPN.
Through TMU's partnership with Sportsnet, a full live broadcast control room and a variety of broadcast cameras are used to simulate a high quality sports broadcast. This is extremely useful for volunteers like me, who are able to gain experience while still being in a calm inclusive environment with no stress.
Process and Development
When working as a commentator during a live broadcast, there is plenty of planning involved in the days and hours leading up to the game. Specifically, planning notes and finding research of players and coaches is extremely important to keep up during the action. Gathering information such as birthplaces, team stats, and player records is helpful when providing context and explaining different situations.
Another aspect of planning involves aligning storylines, players to watch, and predictions with the broadcast crew. Being on the same page with the director, switcher, and other crew members is crucial when commentating live. Preparation is key, and through these broadcasts, I have learned how to properly do so.
Results
After completing a Bold Broadcast, all games are posted on the Ontario University Athletics' streaming website for all to see. While only a few families and friends tune into games, the professional environment and being able to see the broadcast afterwards helps further the broadcasts from volunteer fun to professional opportunities.
For me personally, the results are immediate. With my time doing these broadcasts, I have gained significant confidence, learned effective research and memorization strategies, as well as gained on-air lessons that I could not have learned otherwise.
Acknowledgments
These opportunities would not be possible without the help from the Bold Broadcast Group, including Brian Withers, Ryan Sykes, all Broadcast Crew Leads and volunteers that help me perform my best during games.
Credit: Bold Broadcast Group, RTA Sports Media
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