A football announcer provides information about a current football game to viewers or listeners. He could work for a local television or radio station or for a national or international network, announcing games. Professional, college, and high school games may be covered by him. His job may require him to report on the game action alone, or he may be assisted by one or more commentators, hosts, or correspondents.
During the game, football announcers frequently work in pairs and receive additional information and support from other broadcast professionals. The play-by-play commentator and the color commentator are the two main announcers, and they usually watch the game from a booth on the ground or in the stands. During halftime, the supplemental crew usually consists of one or more field correspondents as well as hosts who comment on the game and the players.
The most important member of the broadcast team is usually the play-by-play football announcer. He is usually expected to report on every detail of the game, which necessitates a thorough understanding of all of the rules, jargon, players, and penalty calls. These details are especially important if he’s reporting on the radio and needs to paint a picture of the game for the listeners with his words.
A football announcer known as a color commentator usually works alongside the play-by-play broadcaster to add levity and interest to the sporting event. He usually gives anecdotes about players and coaches, as well as obscure statistics and fun facts about the teams. When players collide in amusing ways or fans in the stands act in amusing ways, the color commentator usually makes a joke about it.
During a football game, a field correspondent usually sits on the sidelines. If a player is injured, this football announcer usually informs the other announcers in the booth about the incident. If there are any breaks in play that provide this opportunity, he usually tries to get a comment from the coach or players.
The announcers, also known as hosts, are usually stationed in a remote location. During halftime, two or more of these broadcasters, who are usually retired coaches and players, discuss the games and players, as well as make personal predictions on the game’s outcome. They’re usually thought of as entertainers who keep the crowd entertained while they wait for the game to resume after halftime.
This position has no educational requirements. On-the-job training in using broadcasting equipment and presenting themselves professionally to television and radio audiences is provided to the majority of football announcers. Aspiring football announcers should have a thorough understanding of the game’s rules as well as familiarity with the players and coaches. It is a plus for applicants for this position if they are comfortable speaking in public without a script. An aspiring candidate with a bachelor’s degree in journalism or communication may have an advantage over less qualified applicants.