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Q&A; with Missy Moore

San Diego Padres Pre-& Post-Game Producer

An Inside Look at Being a Sports TV Producer

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."

When did you decide to pursue a career in Sports TV?

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.

You went to TCU, how helpful was it in your Sports TV career?

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.

Missy Moore’s Sports TV “Stats”

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.

Did you have fears it would be difficult to land your first job in Sports TV?

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.

After your first few months did you know you made the right career choice, or were there concerns?

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.

What is the most difficult thing about working in Television?

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…

Has it ever been a struggle or battle for respect being a woman in Sports TV?

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.

How has your career developed in titles, responsibilities and locations?

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. 

Do you have any advice for someone considering a career in Sports TV?

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. 

Is there specific advice you’d give to a woman looking to start in sports TV?

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. 

Do you have a memorable story – whether funny, sad or just interesting – that you’d like to share?

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.

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