By Claire Schneider

On Sept. 18, ESPN and Good Karma Sports visited the University of Louisville communication department to discuss the ins and outs of sports media. 

The panel was a small part in preparing for game day, and U of L is just one of many stops on their ESPNRadio College Football Campus Tour. They will make 10 stops at various colleges across the United States, covering games and engaging with fans.

This past weekend, they were present when U of L played Southern Methodist University in football. Good Karma Spots, a sports marketing company partnered with ESPN, focused on the media and marketing side of the game. 

Professionals give advice

Five ESPN and Good Karma Sports members participated in the panel in Strickler Hall, where interested students were able to ask questions about the career path. They touched on everything from internships and gaining experience, to how to be an effective leader.

Mike Urranaga, ESPN radio program director, emphasized that internships won’t always be easy. 

“But you’re going to do it, you don’t have to be excited about it, but you should be able to know that it’s going to get you somewhere,” said Urranaga. “Everything leads to something.”

Shawni Smith, senior director of network operations, brought up her experience interviewing job candidates. She claimed loving sports is rarely enough to do well in sports media. 

“So does 90% to 95% of the country,” said Smith. “What is it about this role, that company?”

Career preparation, however, starts in college. Students have at least four years to gain experience. That can include joining student news, radio or independently setting up a tripod at a local game. One student asked how to gain experience as an analyst.

“Go into the stands, speak into your phone and just call the game as an analyst,” said Casey Buscher, a social media content creator with ESPN.

Additionally, the panelists discussed leadership. They highlighted that being a leader doesn’t mean knowing everything. Still, they advised to never ask someone to do something one wouldn’t do themselves.

“You have to be the kind of leader that will get their hands dirty. You don’t have to do it, but you have to know how to do it,” Urranaga said. 

Students give their attention to speakers. (Photo by Claire Schneider / The Louisville Cardinal)

Game Day Preparation

For these leaders, their weekend in Louisville began on Friday with community outreach, bringing breakfast and a donation from Bloom Energy to local firehouses. From there, they handed out Monster Energy cans at grocery stores. The evening ended with a pregame broadcast and on-site preparation. 

Saturday starts at 5 a.m., when they complete their setup, interact with fans during the tailgate and host a three hour broadcast. By Saturday night, they’ve all flown back to their respective cities.

Their next stop on the campus tour is Penn State University, where the Nittany Lions will play the University of Wisconsin-Madison on Sept. 26.

 Feature Photo by Claire Schneider / The Louisville Cardinal