NY Liberty - Announcer - Bob Wischusen


		Broadcaster Video
		Commentator Video

Bob Wischusen is the TV /Radio play-by-play announcer for the Liberty and Jets. He also fills in on the radio for the Rangers and works on college football and basketball for ESPN. As the play-by-play man, Bob calls the actual game action as it happens. He is joined by an analyst, or color commentator who lends his or her expertise to the broadcast with additional information and commentary.

You Gotta Love Sports

“Whatever sport you cover, your really have to know it inside and out to become a broadcaster, explains Bob, who always loved sports, especially listening to the announcers broadcasting the game. “I knew from an early age that this is what I wanted to do,” he adds.

Bob graduated from Boston College, where, like most broadcasters, he majored in communications, taking courses in radio and television production and broadcasting. He also notes the importance of college internships at radio and television stations. “Internships are vital in making the necessary connections to actually land a job when you’re ready,” explains Bob.

To succeed as a broadcaster, you not only need to have a passion for sports, beyond that of a typical fan, but also be able to disseminate a lot of information in a short period of time. “You will be telling the viewers/listeners some stories about the players in addition to calling the game, “says Bob, who honed his skills for three years as a producer at the all–sports station in Miami, WQAM, before being hired by WFAN, one of the all-sports radio stations in New York City. “The exposure I received at WFAN allowed me to work for MSG and the Jets,” adds Bob.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Many people love the idea of broadcasting a professional sporting event, or “calling” the game. However, it’s not as easy as it appears. “You need to be willing to practice calling games a lot…the more you work at it the better you’ll get,” says Bob.

According to Bob, you need good people skills in the broadcast industry, since you will interact with many people at radio and television stations. You also need to be a team player and a creative thinker, since, as Bob puts it, “Things get a little crazy at times.”

Since there are many people competing for on-air broadcasting positions, Bob recommends that you should be willing to go anywhere and do anything just to get your foot in the door. “While the pay is not much in the beginning, as you do some less than glamorous jobs, it is a fun profession to be a part of,” says Bob, adding that a lot of people in this field are willing to do whatever it takes to get to where they want to be.