Since joining CBS Sports in 1984, James Brown has changed the dynamics of sports broadcasting by developing a reputation for securing engaging interviews and hosting award-winning sports broadcasts. Now as the host of “NFL Today” and “Inside the NFL” on Showtime, Brown continues to make strides as a leading analyst paving the way for black broadcasters to have opportunities in television media. Rolling Out Sports recently sat down with Brown who offered four important keys to being a successful broadcast journalist.-amir shaw
1) “For me, what worked was to be in prayer first and foremost because I wanted to move into the business, and I prayed that this would provide the right opportunity for me. I wanted to go into a field that would match the gifts and skills that I have.”
2) “There is no prescribed course to take to get into the business because people have come from a number of different avenues. But you should be well-versed in your specialty. You can be an English major, a psychology major, or history major. But the point is to be well-rounded because you’re going to be talking to people form different walks of life.”
3) “When I broke into the business years ago, my producer told me to be believable. When you look into that camera, let people see who you are. Let them see your genuineness. During my first year, I made a lot of mistakes on air. But what carried me through was that people knew that I was a hard worker and I was honest and genuine.”
4) “Be willing to do whatever it takes to get your foot in the door. You’re not going to start at the top. That might mean doing some gofer work, or being a runner. Do whatever it takes to get in the business.”
Along with his work on “NFL Today” and “Inside the NFL,” James Brown has won two Emmy’s as the host of “Fox NFL Sunday” and he received critical acclaim for his work on “Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel.” Brown may also join the cast of “60 Minutes” in the near future.
