NY Liberty - Executive Vice President


		MSG Network

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		MSG Network

The Executive Vice President is responsible for the operation of Madison Square Garden Network, Fox Sports NY and MSG's New Media Initiative. He or she needs to go over the content of the telecast and plan and discuss pre-game features, themes, interviews and everything else that will go into the sports programming.

On game day the Executive V.P. meets with announcers and producers to go over all the content that will be involved in the telecast. Everyone needs to be on the same page so that the telecast will run smoothly. Producers, directors and talent all have to work together. Prior to the game, promotional announcements for upcoming games and events are also prepared and reviewed. Mike McCarthy handles this demanding position for MSG Networks, which includes the telecasts of the teams that call the Garden home, including the Liberty. It means putting together the programming schedule and making key programming decisions.

Prior to a game, he coordinates all aspects of production to make sure everything is covered. All technical needs for the show have to be in place. On game day, McCarthy makes sure all talent and production personnel have their assignments and that all programming schedules are set. During the actual game, McCarthy spends time in the production truck offering support to the producer and the director. "I insure all significant promotional and advertising elements are included in the show. I also visit with the announcers and with members of the media in a PR capacity."

Besides handling the game, McCarthy oversees the nightly sports news, which means making sure on-air talent, technical crew and highlight footage are ready to go.

McCarthy began his career as an intern with MSG and was later hired as a production assistant. He moved into a producer role and later became a director. "Getting a good education, watching and playing sports plus doing an internship all helped lead to my getting my first job with MSG" adds McCarthy, who also had a sports related job many years ago working for the Shea Stadium Grounds Crew. "Don't let anyone tell you can't do it" says McCarthy to students looking at a sports career. "Do well in school, exemplify good judgement and have a responsible and professional attitude in everything you do." He also stresses the importance of being willing to gain experience by doing whatever jobs need to be done. To succeed in this type of role you need to know the game, not just the players and communicate well with others. You also need to learn about broadcasting and telling a story in a short concise manner. After all, the game is only part of the overall story.