Behind the Microphone

BT Sport's lead football commentator Darren Fletcher joins Hamish for this week's podcast episode. Darren talks through his career from working on suspended ceilings after school in Sheffield to commentating on five successive Champions League Finals. He talks through all thing's commentary, from the preparation for each match, to performing during the big moments. A journey of hard work and perseverance, with great stories along the way. With credit to BT Sport. Time Codes:- - 1:18-6:50- Darren's career aspirations from an early age and his beginnings in sports broadcasting. - 6:50-13:25- Darren's early experiences with Brian Clough and Trent FM. - 13:25-18:40- Moving to BBC Radio 5 Live, why that was and whether this is the natural progression for commentators and broadcasters. - 18:40-20:45- Darren's experience presenting for BT Sport. - 20:45-23:25- Specialising in a particular field, do aspiring sports broadcasting need to specialise in reporting or commentating, etc or become well-rounded? - 23:25-26:40- How to be the very best commentator. - 26:40-28:45- How to prepare for unexpected moments in commentary (Lucas Moura vs Ajax, Liverpool vs Barcelona). - 28:45-31:20- Advice for aspiring sports broadcasters. - 31:20-35:00- Darren Fletcher Quiz.

The 2019 SJA Sports commentator of the year and BBC Radio 5 Live's main commentator for both boxing and athletics joins Hamish this week. In this episode Mike details his career progression from starting at the BBC aged 16 to becoming the voice of their boxing and athletics coverage. He also speaks of his experience amateur boxing and how that has helped his commentary of the sport, as well as why the 100 metres is one of the most difficult sporting events to commentate on and why a post-match interview with a losing boxer can be so powerful. With credit to BBC Radio 5 Live. Mixed and Sound Designed by Rocket Ears and Graham Slack. Time Codes:- - 1:35-3:25- Mike's early years. - 3:25-12:05- Mike's frustrations, his initial break and being ready when the opportunity strikes. - 12:05-18:00- How Mike's experience amateur boxing helped his commentary of the sport. - 18:00-21:40- Why the 100 Metres is one of the most difficult sporting events to commentate on. - 21:40-25:00- Mike's aims as a commentator. - 25:00-28:30- Why interviewing a losing boxer can often be the most powerful interview in sport. - 28:30-31:20- Mike's advice for aspiring sports broadcasters. - 31:20-33:00- Mike Costello Quiz.

Presenter & Reporter Alex Aljoe joins Hamish this week on the podcast. Alex currently works for Premier League Productions but previously worked for Real Madrid TV, on two separate occasions, and Chelsea TV. As well as being a talented reporter and presenter, Alex speaks five languages fluently and is an ex-international Lacrosse player for England. In this episode Alex discusses her career journey so far and how and why being multi-lingual has helped her career. Mixed and Sound Designed by Rocket Ears and Graham Slack. Follow Alex on Twitter and Instagram- @alexaljoe Time Codes:- - 1:00-10:00- Alex's start, her year abroad and first break at Real Madrid TV at just 20 years of age including her first interview with a certain Cristiano Ronaldo. - 10:00-12:30- How getting chucked into the deep end early on eventually benefitted Alex's career. - 12:30-14:15- The things Alex did at Durham University to enhance her broadcasting skills. - 14:15-18:10- Alex's decision to do an MA in TV Journalism despite having that hands on experience reporting and presenting for Real Madrid TV. - 18:10-25:15- Alex's experience working for Chelsea TV and then going back out to Real Madrid TV. - 25:15-29:15- How being multi-lingual has helped Alex in her career, how it allows her to interview players like Sergio Agüero, who others can't, and how it allows her to get more from interviewing foreign players. - 29:15-31:30- The differences behind the scenes between English and Spanish productions. - 31:30-36:20- Tips for aspiring sports broadcasters. - 36:20-39:00- The Alex Aljoe Quiz!

Award winning sports broadcaster Mark Pougatch joins Hamish for this weeks episode of Behind the Microphone. One of the most recognisable faces and voices in sports broadcasting, Mark was BBC Radio Five Live's main sports anchor, having presented their flagship Satuday afternoon show, 5 Live Sport and Sports Report for over 16 years. Now, he is ITV's leading sports anchor for both football and rugby, while he also presents for Premier League Productions. In this episode Mark eloquently and insightfully discusses the art of holding a conversation/interview, in both radio and TV, and how vital it is to listen. Mixed and Sound Designed by Rocket Ears. Time Codes:- - 1:00-5:00- First bit Uprbinging, early love for sport and education. - 5:00-6:45- Mark's time at BBC Essex and the skills he developed there. - 6:45-11:00- Moving to BBC Radio 5 Live, Mark's love of a variety of sports and the importance of having a little knowledge of all sports. - 11:00-12:30- Mark's aim as a sports broadcaster hosting BBC Radio 5 Live Sport. - 12:30-14:20- The art of holding a conversation on both TV and radio and the key differences. - 14:20-16:20- Just how vital it is to listen as a sports broadcaster. - 16:20-17:45- Not getting too technical with questions, especially while on terrestrial television. - 17:45- 22:20- Mark's aims as a presenter when he is going into a big event, like the Football World Cup Semi-final 2018 or the Rugby World Cup final 2019 and getting the story right. - 22:20-25:15-Top tips for aspiring sports broadcasters and how Mark Developed his skills. - 25:15-30:00- Mark Pougatch Quiz.

Sports broadcaster Will Perry joins Hamish this week on the podcast. Will is a sports broadcaster with over 20 year's experience in the industry and he currently works for BBC Sport and Premier League Productions as well as others. In this episode Will shares the story of his career so far, discussing everything that has made him the presenter he is today. Time Codes:- - 1:00-4:00- Will's start in the media. - 4:00-10:30- Will's decision to leave University and his early career at Key 103 Manchester, talkSPORT and BBC Radio Manchester. - 10:30-14:20- How covering a variety of sports and moving out of his comfort zone enhanced Will's broadcasting skills. - 14:20-20:00- Will's move into Television. - 20:00-28:30- The development of Will's presenting style, having a bit of fun with it and Will's aims as a sports broadcaster. - 28:30-34:30- What Will thinks makes a successful sports broadcaster and his top tips for aspiring sports broadcasters. - 34:30-39:12- Will Perry Quiz.

Presenter Jules Breach joins Hamish in this week's episode. Jules hosts BT Sport Score every Saturday as well as various shows for Premier League Productions, CBS and more. Jules began her career presenting for shopping channels before moving on to Latest TV in Brighton and then establishing her own radio show ‘Sports Saturday' at Juice 107.2 in Brighton. Jules discusses her career journey to date, including all the key lessons she learnt along the way, how she developed her own presenting style and her aims as a football presenter. Time Codes:- 0:46-2:08- Jules' early life and career ambitions. 2:08-5:00- First job out of University for shopping TV and the early lessons this taught her. 5:00-10:00- Jules move into sport and progression through local TV and radio. 10:00-12:40- Taking a career step back to move forward into sport. 12:40-15:55- How having her own radio show benefitted her skills as a broadcaster. 15:55-23:00- Why Jules went back to University to get her NCTJ diploma. 23:00-29:50- Jules move into national and international Television for BT Sport Score and Premier League Productions. 29:50-34:20- Jules presenting style, how this developed and how having no female football presenters she could really relate too while she was growing up shaped her style. 34:20-36:30- Jules aim as a presenter going into each show. 36:30-40:00- Jules Breach quiz.

BBC Radio 5 Live's chief football reporter Ian Dennis joins Hamish in this week's episode. Ian has been at the BBC for 25 years and has worked for regional radio stations in York, Cleveland, Leeds and Newcastle as well as working for the national radio station, Radio 5 Live. Ian talks through his career to date, including the difficulties and changing relationship between the sports media and the players and reminisces on some special European nights at Anfield. With credit to BBC Radio 5 Live. Follow Ian on twitter @Iandennisbbc Time Codes 1:00-6:00- Ian's early life and the beginnings of his career. 6:00-7:00- Going freelance early. 7:00-11:45- Establishing yourself at new places 11:45-14:30- The difference in establishing relationships as a regional reporter vs a national reporter. 14:30-19:30- The difficulties and the changing relationship between the sports media and the players. 19:30-23:45- How to keep calm and measured in commentary during the big moments (Liverpool vs Dortmund 4-3 and Liverpool vs Barcelona 4-0). 23:45-26:15- How to keep listeners engaged over the radio during a boring or dull game. 26:15-27:30- Having a bit of fun with commentary. 27:30-29:00- Challenges of football commentary.

Award winning sports broadcaster Jonathan Overend joins Hamish for this weeks episode. Jonathan worked for the BBC for over 25 years in a variety of roles including spending 10 years as the tennis correspondent and also presenting and commentating on football for Five Live Sport. In this episode we journey through Jonathan's career as well as delve into the art of tennis commentary. With credit to BBC Radio 5 Live. https://www.jonathanoverend.com/ Time codes:- 1:00-4:04- Jonathan's early life and beginnings in sports broadcasting. 4:04-10:30- Work at BBC Essex. 10:30-13:10- Moving to BBC Sport. 13:10-18:00- Specialising in tennis and becoming the BBC's tennis correspondent. 18:00-22:10- The art of tennis commentary and the changing game. 22:10-25:55- Adapting to tennis commentary and how vital the correct use and amount of words are. 25:55-31:30- Moving on from being the BBC's tennis correspondent. 31:30-34:43- Advice for aspiring sports broadcasters.

Freelance football reporter and presenter Alison Bender joins Hamish in this week's episode. With over 20 years in the business Alison has covered European Championships, World Cups, Champions League games and much more. Alison speaks openly and honestly about her career to date, including all the highs of working in her dream job, as well as the lows like the dark side of social media and the challenges women face in the football media. Please follow Alison on social media @alibendertv and head over to her website www.alisonbender.com and sign up to receive alerts on her extremely exciting project, Talent Takes Time, where aspiring sports broadcasters can learn more about the industry! Time Codes:- 1:00-3:00- Alison's early life and her desire to work in Television. 3:00-7:00- The start to Alison's career at CNBC, the variety of roles she performed and the lessons she learnt there. 7:00-14:00- Alison's move into presenting/reporting, including a first interview with Keanu Reeves. 14:00-18:00- Alison's move to Real Madrid TV and the meticulous research that followed… 18:00-22:00- Fun interviews and how to get the best out of your interviewee. 22:45-27:00- Alison's experiences with social media abuse and how to deal with it. 27:00-31:30- The challenges Alison and other women face in football media. 31:30-34:30- Alison's best bits of advice for aspiring sports broadcasters. 34:30-38:00- Alison Bender Quiz.

Three-time Royal Television Society Sports News Reporter of the year Gabriel Clarke joins Hamish to kick off Series two. Starting in local journalism before moving into reporting, presenting and most recently documentary filmmaking, Gabriel performed a variety of roles in his career and discusses his wide-ranging skillset extensively in this episode. As well as this, Gabriel also provides his top tips on post-match interviews, especially when faced with difficult interviewees like Sir Alex Ferguson and Eddie Jones. Most recently Gabriel has directed “Finding Jack Charlton,” a fantastic documentary on the life, career and fascinating journey of one of England and Ireland's beloved characters, Jack Charlton. https://www.findingjackcharlton.com/ Time Codes:- 1:14-5:00- Initial lessons and journalistic beginnings. 5:00-6:53- The lessons Gabriel learnt from being out of his comfort zone and the importance of work experience. 6:53-12:00- Gabriel's transition from written journalism to broadcasting. 12:00-14:00- A varied skillset (reporting, presenting, writing, etc). 14:00-16:10- What makes a good reporter? 16:10-21:21- The post-match interview process? What is Gabriel trying to achieve + the challenges he faces? 21:21-23:50- Top tips on how to deal with difficult interviewees. 23:50-26:26- Gabriel's love for creating features + how to engage your audience. 26:26-28:00- Transition from creating features to documentary filmmaking. 28:00- 32:09- The Gabriel Clarke Quiz.

Sky Sports Football Commentator Gary Taphouse joins Hamish for this week's episode. Gary has been a football commentator since he was studying at University and has been commentating for Sky Sports since 2005. Gary chats openly about his personal commentary horror stories, interview blunders and a whole lot more. With credit to Spurs TV and Sky Sports.

BBC's Football Correspondent and the voice of BBC Radio 5 Live John Murray joins Hamish this week. John has worked for the BBC for over 26 years now and is without a doubt one of the best radio commentators there is. Whether it is commentating on a last minute winner in the Champions League or describing a crucial putt during the Ryder Cup, John has done it all and shares his experiences openly during this episode. With credit to the BBC.

Host of the talkSPORT Kick Off Show Hugh Woozencroft joins Hamish for this weeks podcast. After completing a Masters in Sports Journalism from St. Mary's University, Twickenham Hugh went on to work for BBC Five Live and BBC Sport before freelancing for Sky, Premier League Productions and more. In this episode Hugh discusses his journey in sports broadcasting and discusses the importance of being adaptable.

Rugby commentator and content producer Nick Heath joins Hamish for this weeks episode. Nick discusses the wide range of skills one needs to succeed in sports broadcasting and the importance of understanding social media. Nick also recently achieved lockdown fame through his series of 'Life Commentaries' and is an ambassador for the Harlequins Foundation. www.rugbymedia.co.uk/nick-heath

BBC Rugby Union Correspondent Chris Jones joins Hamish in this weeks episode. Chris has worked for the BBC for 13 years now and performs a variety of roles in his job including commentating for BBC Radio 5 Live, writing articles for BBC Sport and hosting the Rugby Union Weekly podcast alongside Danny Care and Ugo Monye.

Sky Sports News Reporter/Presenter Emma Paton joins Hamish this week for another episode of Behind the Microphone. In this episode, Emma talks about her career journey to date and sheds a fascinating insight into all the different roles she undertook before she became a Reporter/Presenter which includes some brilliant stories along the way.

The football poet and FSA's football commentator of the year. Peter Drury has commentated on it all, from the World Cup to the Premier League. He is renowned for his poetic and eloquent style of commentary which has delivered countless spine-tingling moments over the years, often better than the goal itself. With credit to BT Sport and Premier League Productions.

One of sports most iconic voices, Clive Tyldesley, ITV's senior football commentator, has commentated on numerous World Cup and Champions League finals. In this episode, Clive speaks to Hamish about the importance of serving your audience and what the new future of football might look like. With credit to ITV. You can purchase some of Clive's commentary charts from https://www.commentarycharts.com/

One of Rugby Union's most famous voices, Miles Harrison, Sky Sports lead rugby union commentator since 1994 has covered some of the biggest games in recent years. He has covered six British & Irish Lions tours and seventeen European Champions Cup finals. In this episode, Miles speaks to Hamish about his career at the BBC, his transition to Sky and about his wonderful career as a commentator. With credit to Sky Sports.