Behind the Microphone

ITV and talkSPORT commentator Sam Matterface joins the podcast this week to discuss his career journey so far and to share some brilliant tips for aspiring sports broadcasters. Sam details his journey from hospital radio, through to presenting at Sky Sports News, to then working for ITV and talkSPORT commentating. In this episode Sam also discusses the changing landscape for young aspiring sports broadcasters attempting to get into the industry now, giving his wisdom and advice on how to succeed in the early years. Timecodes:- 1:00 - 4:00 - Sam’s initial break into broadcasting. 4:00 - 9:00 - Local radio beginnings. 9:00 -  12:30 - Lessons learnt and experience gained at 107.4 The Quay.  12:30 - 14:30 - Opportunity through commercial radio routes now or lack of…  14:30 - 17:00 - The new and different ways to break through and gain experience… 17:00 -  20:30 - Sky Sports News experience. 20:30 - 22:45 - What Sam is currently doing now, commentating and presenting on TV and Radio and whether he thought he would be where he is today. 22:45 - 25:00 - Sam’s top tips for all aspiring sports broadcasters.

Sports broadcasting legend Mark Chapman joins the podcast this week. Starting his career as a continuity announcer for the BBC Mark now  presents across both radio and TV, fronting Match of the Day 2 and presenting shows like the Monday Night Club on the radio. In this episode Chappers discusses his sports broadcasting career so far,  sharing plenty of extremely helpful tips for aspiring sports broadcasters. As well as really delving in to the skills needed to becoming a top sports presenter. Time codes:- 1:00 - 6:20 - Beginnings and initial break with the BBC. 6:20 - 8:20 - Local radio route.  8:20 - 10:30 - Mark’s advice for aspiring sports broadcasters looking for their first break/ job. 10:30 - 15:30 - Mark’s move to Radio 1 and lessons learnt there. 15:30 - 17:00 Not saying no to opportunities when they arise. 17:00 - 22:00 - Presenting across different sports and formats. 22:00 - 28:00 - Getting the best out of pundits and guests and the art of listening. 28:00 - 30:20 Top tips for aspiring sports broadcasters.

The brilliant Kelly Cates joins the podcast this week, Kelly is one of the very best sports broadcasters around and has worked for all of the big broadcasters including Sky Sports, Premier League Productions, talkSPORT, the BBC, and more… In this episode Kelly shares loads of tips and tricks to becoming a successful sports presenter as well as sharing her the journey of her amazing career so far. Timecodes:- 1:00 - 4:20 - Initial break into the industry via a brand new Sky Sports News. 4:20 - 8:00 - Taking every opportunity that comes your way/importance of timing. 8:40 - 10:20 - Importance of saying YES/ taking risks! 10:20 - 13:25 - Kelly’s relaxed style and how this came about… 13:25 - 16:30 - Preparation and preparing for new challenges/ new sports. 16:30 - 20:20 - Adapting styles across different shows. 20:20 - 23:50 - Importance of reacting to guests and LISTENING! 23:50 - 26:00 - Using body language to aid live debates. 26:00 - 31:00 - Advice for aspiring sports broadcasters.

This week Ian Irving joins the podcast, Ian is a presenter and reporter for Premier League Productions and the host of the Athletics ‘Talk of the Devils’ podcast. In this episode Ian shares his story on how he got to where he is today and gives some really great advice on how any aspiring sports broadcaster can move forward in their career. Timecodes:- 1:00 - 2:30 - Ian’s ambitions growing up. 2:30 - 10:30 - Initial break into the industry and experience at Channel M. 10:30 - 15:00 - Developing and improving as a broadcaster. 15:00 - 18:00 - Dealing with criticism and using it to help you improve. 18:00 - 19:40 - Developing skills needed to be a successful sports broadcaster. 19:40 - 23:30 - How to be a successful podcast host. 23:30 - 26:30 - Interview skills.

Presenter and reporter Olivia Buzaglo joins the podcast this week. Liv shares her journey from logging at Premier League Productions to presenting twice a day for Sky Sports News during the January transfer window. There are some great bits of advice from Liv throughout this episode, especially around using your initiative and being yourself. Timecodes:- 1:00 - 3:15 - Dreams growing up. 3:15 - 4:30 - New experience at SSN. 4:30 - 7:25 - Breaking into the industry. 7:25 - 14:00 - Progression at Premier League Productions. 14:00 - 19:00 - Advice to aspiring sports broadcasters. 19:00 - 21:30 - Going freelance. 21:30 - 24:10 - Adapting to new styles of presenting. 24:10 - 30:00 - Liv’s love for Chelsea and how this relates to her work.