The play-by-play commentator is one of the most popular jobs in the sports world. From Al Michaels, Joe Buck to Jim Ross, these are the guys that call all of the action and give the details on every play. The key to this job is knowing all of the rules, terminology, players, and having an eye for what is happening on the field. This job also requires the most talking and you have to be constantly alert to express what is happening during the game.
Assisting the play-by-play commentator is the color commentator. It is the color commentator's job to comment on what is happening and provide extra details like facts, figures and outcomes from previous encounters. The color commentator has to be fully knowledgeable of everything happening on the film and a little wit adds comedy for the viewers as well.
A correspondent is the go-to reporter for in-depth game coverage. This broadcaster is usually down by the field and is cut to before a game, after a game, and during any big moments like injuries or penalties. With this job you have to be on your feet and ready to go at any moment, while still paying attention to the action that is happening and being prepared to report.
Before games, after games and 24/7 on Sportscenter, hosts are the filling the gap between playing time. Often these hosts do run downs, re-caps and predictions for games in every league. A large knowledge of sports is needed to be a host. It is often a competitive field filled with former players and trained professionals.
Many of the broadcasting jobs involve people working behind the camera instead of in front of it. Sporting jobs include cameramen, audio techs, editors, directors, producers, graphics people and others. Sports games are some of the most demanding efforts to put together and the work that goes behind each game makes it seem easy.