Media Jobs In Sports: How to Start Your Own Sports Podcast

Are you looking to stand out as an applicant for one of the many exciting media jobs in sports? If so, starting your own sports podcast is a great way to gain experience and give your resume a boost.

Sports podcasts have been around since October 2004, when Sam Coutin started The Sports Pod. At the time, there were fewer than 50 podcasts on any topic internationally. Today, there are thousands of sports podcasts from which listeners can choose. Since it’s now a much more competitive landscape, you’ll also need to know how to make it successful beyond knowing how to start a sports podcast.

Below is a simple, step-by-step process to get your podcast off the ground. Following are tips for marketing it successfully and creating a compelling experience for your listeners. This resume-builder can be powerful whether you’re focused on broadcasting, communications, social media, or any other type of sports media job.

4 Steps To Create A Sports Podcast

Once you have launched your sports podcast, jobs will become more accessible since it shows strong initiative and allows you to establish your voice in the field. Here is what you need to do:

Step 1: Get your gear & other staples.

Here is your essential equipment to start the show:

• Computer — A Mac or PC will work fine as your computer. Just make sure that it has the ports to support your equipment. If you go the analog route (see below), you will need a USB/USB-C port, 3.5mm audio-in jack, or FireWire port. If you go with a USB microphone, you will need an available USB port.
• Audio editing program – The good news with this item is that there are free options out there. Audacity is a no-cost open-source option often recommended for those getting started.
• Headphones –You will also need headphones. Two recommended ones are the Status Audio BT One and the HiFiMan Ananda headphones.
• Microphone(s) – The first choice you need to make with microphones is whether you want to go USB or analog (i.e., XLR). Analog is typically chosen for sound quality, while USB is preferred for convenience and cost containment. If you go with analog, you will need to convert to digital (see next item). A USB mic does that automatically. Be aware as you decide what to spend that you will have better luck landing jobs in sports media with your podcast if it sounds crisp and professional.
• Portable XLR recorder or audio interface (analog only) – If you use an analog mic, you will need to convert the analog audio to digital. Here are the two basic options: 1.) With a portable XLR recorder, you can connect several microphone channels, mute as needed, and change the volume in the field; or 2.) Using an audio interface, you can plug the equipment directly into your computer via USB-C or USB.
• Pop filters (optional) – Pop filters are fairly inexpensive and can improve your sound clarity greatly. You can also choose the do-it-yourself approach and make your own out of paper.

Step 2: Create your title and cover art.

For great first impressions, you need to make sure that your title and cover image are captivating. Podcast Insights suggests using 99 Designs for the cover art if you have a budget for it.

Step 3: Select your intro music.

You need to make sure you are legal with the music you choose. You can either go with royalty-free music or get a subscription. In the latter case, Podcast Insights suggests PremiumBeat.

Step 4:Get a host.

You will need a podcast host to store the episodes and serve them to your listeners. The host suggested by Podcast Insights is Buzzsprout.

3 Key Tips For Success With Your Sports Podcast

Now that you know the nuts and bolts of launching a podcast, these pointers will help you excel so that you look more impressive to recruiters for jobs in sports media:

#1. Be specific with your topic.

In the United States, mass media primarily covers baseball, football, basketball, and hockey. What about a sport that is not getting attention from the major players? Sledhead Radio was able to expand rapidly by focusing on the niche of snowmobiling.

Another easy, straightforward way to differentiate yourself is to localize — since it is much easier when you are only competing with area offerings.

#2. Practice consistency.

Broadcasting episodes consistently not only sets a level of expectation with your viewers and subscribers but will also keep them engaged. Make it a habit to create and stick to a schedule.

#3. Plan interesting segments.

Coutin advises including interviews, news, opinions, call-ins, debates, contests, focused reports on particular athletes, and countdowns of the greatest athletes/teams in a particular sport level.

From Podcasting To Media Jobs In Sports

If you start a sports podcast, media jobs in sports can be easier to land. That is because people start to know who you are. How else can you meet people in the industry? Through our network of more than 5500 sports professionals and counting, you can stand out among applicants for sports media jobs. Join our network for free.