A commenter is someone who offers their opinion on current events, current issues, the news, or a particular topic of interest. Commentators work in a variety of settings all over the world. Many work in broadcast media, providing commentary on the radio or television, and some may also contribute written commentary to print media. Some commentators become well-known; for example, Edward R. Murrow was a well-known broadcast journalist and commentator.
Commentators are frequently employed at sporting events, where they are referred to as sportscasters or color commentators, depending on the type of commentary they provide. A sportscaster describes the action on the radio so that listeners can follow along at home. Color commentators on television provide facts and information, game commentary, and material that they believe will be of interest to viewers at home.
Commentators may also have regular columns, either broadcast or printed, in which they discuss a wide range of topics. Political commentators, also known as pundits, are very common and tend to take a particular approach to politics. For example, a conservative commentator would discuss political developments from a conservative perspective. Commentators can discuss global issues, economics, social policy, and other topics.
A commentator could also analyze and discuss current events, artistic media, and other topics of interest. Commentators who discuss the arts are harder to come by. Because commentators are recognized as authorities on the topics they cover, they frequently make guest appearances in places where they do not normally appear. A radio station, for example, might invite a well-known economic commentator to do a guest appearance on the show to discuss a current economic issue.
It takes a lot of effort to work as a commentator. While working on their columns and material, which are often prepared ahead of time, these professionals must keep up with constant news developments. Being a commentator can entail a lot of travel and a constant need for new material. When a commentator has been preparing something every day for years, it can become difficult to keep viewers, listeners, and readers interested in new material.
A person who wants to be a commentator can approach the job from a variety of angles. Some people begin by studying journalism and related fields, while others choose to study their field first and then learn commentating skills. Some athletes, for example, go on to become sportscasters or color commentators after their athletic careers are completed.