This week’s podcast is with Big Ten Network host/reporter Ashley Adamson, who has won three Emmy Awards in her coverage of college sports.
Ashley is an experienced sideline reporter, game host and storyteller, and her ability to connect with sources and dig up great insight to relay to her audience makes her one of the best reporters I’ve come across in my time calling games.
In this episode:
Ashley describes her roles: studio host, sideline reporter, feature producer (02:05)
Early career challenge: entry-level jobs requiring experience (04:39)
Starting salary realities in broadcasting (05:02)
Importance of taking lower-paying jobs to start (05:49)
Missing social events early in career due to work schedule (07:20)
Value of learning at lower levels (08:52)
Dealing with jealousy of others' early success (10:20)
Everyone's path in broadcasting is unique (13:01)
Broadcasting career isn't linear like other professions (14:03)
Key story: Wrong demo reel leads to first sports job (16:56)
Importance of putting yourself out there (18:32)
Value of serendipitous moments in career (19:34)
Building peer relationships vs seeking mentors (30:57)
Special challenges for women in sports broadcasting (33:56)
Making connections with athletes' families (37:57)
Tips for remembering personal details about sources (36:28)
Importance of proper name pronunciation (40:02)
Peyton Manning's media relations approach (42:15)
Storytelling in limited time frames (49:01)
Preparing multiple stories but rarely using them all (50:18)
Strategy for fitting stories into broadcasts (54:36)
Origin of "Your Mom" podcast during COVID (57:51)
Creating content that's yours, not employer's (58:43)
Balancing podcast and work with family life (01:02:02)
Value of trying new things without perfectionism (01:02:02)
Legacy aspect of creating content (01:06:01)
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