Hard work is the key to landing your first job in any industry, but a little good fortune helps too.
"I was lucky enough to intern for Curt Menefee, the host of FOX NFL Sunday, when he was still a local sports guy in Dallas,” remembers Missy Moore now the Pre-and Post-game Producer for the San Diego Padres on Channel 4 in San Diego. “He has certainly helped me in many aspects of my career."
I would say that I made the choice to get into Sports TV when I got to college. I thought I wanted to be a trainer, until I really looked at the classes I would have to take. Science not being my strong suit, I thought I might be better off covering the athletes, instead of wrapping their ankles.
I majored in Radio-TV-Film at Texas Christian University. We did not have nearly enough equipment at the time to make our class work really translate to the real world. As I said before, I would highly recommend internships to get practical experience. Honestly, I would say at least 80% of what I need to know, I learned on the job.
Education: Texas Christian University
Production Jobs held: Production Assistant, Video Editor, Associate Producer, Producer
Stations: CNN/Sports Illustrated (Atlanta, GA) Fox Sports Net South (Atlanta, GA) Channel 4 (San Diego, CA)
Most memorable moment working in Sports TV: Meeting Ryan Klesko
Best piece of advice:. Make sure you’re getting into this industry for the right reasons…because you love sports. You love to watch them, you want to cover them and you like to read about them. It will make your job easier and a lot more enjoyable.
I did briefly, but honestly, I have been very blessed with some great timing. CNN/Sports Illustrated launched not long after I graduated, so I had an amazing opportunity right out of the gate. If I had any advice, I would say intern as much as possible. The wealth of experience you gain, plus the number of contacts you make, will be invaluable. It can help make that “door” open a little wider.
I knew I made the right choice immediately. I didn’t mind the hours, worked with a great group of people and I don’t think I can ever complain about being paid to watch sports.
I would have to say the schedule. You’re more than likely going to work holidays. Days off are usually in the middle of the week and you can count on working nights. Right now, my schedule is dependent on when the Padres play. We have a show after almost every game. So, my days off one week might be Monday and Thursday, then only Sunday on the following week. Learn to be flexible…
I have been lucky and have not had any problems. I work my tail off and read as much as I can about as many things as I can. Once the guys (my co-workers as well as athletes) realize I know what I’m talking about and am not just there to hang out, I feel like I’ve earned their respect. To be clear, I don’t feel like I have to go out of my way to prove myself because I’m a female. I feel like anyone in my position should know as much as they can about the sports he or she covers.
I started as a Production Assistant and moved to Associate Producer at CNN/SI in Atlanta. When they folded, I moved to Fox Sports South, maintaining my AP title. Although I didn’t line produce Around the Track, the NASCAR show for FSN South, I was put in charge of editing 95% of the show. After 4 years there I moved to San Diego to work at my current station, Channel 4. I was an AP for 3 months, before being promoted to Producer, my current title.
I cannot stress enough the importance of internships. You have the perfect opportunity to make a good impression on people in the business. When stations are looking to hire, they often turn to interns, because they know what they are getting.
Plus, you never know where some of the people you intern for might end up and what other doors they might open for you. I was lucky enough to intern for Curt Menefee, the host of FOX NFL Sunday, when he was still a local sports guy in Dallas. He has certainly helped me in many aspects of my career.
I hate to say it, but just make sure you’re getting into it for the right reasons…because you love sports. You love to watch them, you want to cover them and you like to read about them. It will make your job easier and a lot more enjoyable.
I’ve been so lucky to work with so many fun, creative and good natured people that when things go wrong, we usually end up crying from laughter (after the show of course). I remember an AP running into a glass door to the control room when we were on the air. I remember remote control cameras running amok, anchors that can’t stop giggling, and watching with pride when the first package I ever edited made air.