Chris Haddeland

Dr. H
Oct. 18, 2012
Broadcast Practices
Professional Critique
The radio show I listened to was a broadcast of the New York Yankees versed the Detroit
Tigers game on October 18, 2012. I started listening in at 1:38 p.m.
During the game the play-by-play broadcaster would describe each event that occurred.
Whenever the play-by-play broadcaster was not talking, there would be conversation by the color
commentator. The pace is fairly slow, since baseball is a slow game. Since baseball is such a
slow game, there is a lot of time for the color commentator to discuss different elements of the
game, the ballpark and the players. This is a very nice element, because it leaves very little dead
air, keeping the listener entertained.
All three of the commentators have a medium paced tone, but as an exciting play occurs
they all get louder, more excited and talk at a much quicker pace.
There are recorded elements were station identification and at the beginning and end of
every inning, saying which game is going on, This is game four of the American League
championship series. You are listening to ESPN radio. Aside from this, Im assuming
everything else is live. It is very hard to tell the difference between this recording and the actual
broadcast when the play-by-play commentator says it, but is obvious when it is a different voice.
Although there arent any scripted elements, the commentators have plenty of statistics in
front of them to add plenty of information that the listeners would be interested.
Both of the commentators have smooth and deep voices. Im assuming that the
microphone is located below their mouths because of the deep sound.
This broadcast is unique, because the event is unique. Nothing that happens during the
game is scripted, making everything that happens exciting and unexpected.

Overall I enjoyed this program. Although I would rather watch the game of television to
actually view all of the events, the radio broadcast works fine.
It is a little strange to listen to this program, since this is the same commentary that is
occurring on the television program. If this were purely meant for radio I think the broadcast
would be done slightly different. The commentators would be more descriptive, because they
would not have the visual elements for help.
1:38- 1:40 commercials
1:40-1:41 game recap
1:41-1:50 game
1:50-1:51 end of inning/ game promo
1:51-1:53 commercial
1:53-1:54 intro to inning
1:54- 2:05 game
2:05-2:06 end of inning/ game promo
2:06-2:08 commercial