Derek Jones takes us on a fascinating journey through his career as a sports broadcaster, from his early days recording NFL games on VHS tapes with the sound down to calling NCAA Tournament games for ESPN and Princeton basketball.
Growing up in the Philadelphia area, Jones was surrounded by legendary voices like Harry Kalas, Gene Hart, and Merrill Reese who shaped his understanding of what great sports broadcasting could be. Unlike today's aspiring broadcasters who have technology at their fingertips, Jones had to be creative - practicing play-by-play into a tape recorder while watching recorded games with the sound muted. This passion led him to Rowan University, where he discovered the importance of versatility in media, learning everything from camera operation to editing to on-air work.
The conversation reveals the stark differences between radio and television broadcasting. "Radio requires so much more talking," Jones explains, as you become "the eyes and ears" for listeners who cannot see the action. Television brings different challenges - working with producers speaking in your ear, coordinating with analysts, and knowing when to let the visuals tell the story. His detailed breakdown of game-day preparation offers invaluable insight for aspiring broadcasters, showing the meticulous work that happens days before the red light comes on.
Perhaps most compelling are Jones's career highlights, particularly calling Princeton's improbable 2023 Sweet 16 run. His story about receiving a simple pat on the shoulder from broadcasting legend Verne Lundquist after his first NCAA Tournament broadcast captures the special moments that make this demanding profession worthwhile. For anyone interested in sports broadcasting or media careers, this conversation provides both practical advice and inspirational fuel for the journey.
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