Commentators In The Modern Age

It's a high profile occupation which shouldn't be taken for granted. These are the people behind the scenes of a sporting spectacle. Responsible for describing pictures provided on television screens as best as possible. They are paid professionals. It's a dream lifestyle. Commentating on a sport you follow passionately while being able to travel around the globe. But standards seemed to have dropped somewhat. 

One gets the impression that too many ex-players are being dished out commentary stints too easily. Commentators should get jobs based on their commentary skills rather than living off their playing reputations in order to aid them entering a media career. They should be completely neutral and unbiased in their judgement; love of the game comes before love for a team or a player. The result shouldn't matter to them the slightest. 

They are professionals responsible for broadcasting to worldwide audiences as opposed to supporters of a team. They should have knowledge about all teams, players, officials and cultures rather than following or focussing intently on just a particular side, which is often their own nationality when it comes to international sporting coverage from a global broadcaster. 

Memory is absolutely vital, fundamental mistakes on air are unaffordable. They cannot be grammatically incorrect. It undoubtedly helps when they are commentating in their preferred language choice. 

They need to specialise in a certain area of the game while being able to pass comment on all issues adequately. Imperatively, they ought to know more than a viewer, even perhaps the fanatic. In an age of a social media storm and the growth of online information courtesy of the Internet, the gap between the knowledge of fans and commentators has significantly been reduced. There are increasing occasions when one is listening to commentary and thinking, "I actually would have more to talk about than this."

They should be able to take a lead and initiate conversations. They should be able to describe the big moments and capture the effect well. They should be able to make predictions and be bold enough to be able to challenge their game assessment skills, of teams and individuals. If they are in the wrong, being able to admit their faults or justify their stance. They should greatly care about audiences views about them. Is the volume turned up or turned down when they are on air? 

Whether it's technical, mental, tactical, political or the statistical side of the game - they should not look lost when talking about any of these particular aspects. They should have a unique set of opinions on all of these various aspects the game covers. There is more to the on field aspects. Knowing about the latest developments administratively associated with the game. Knowing some interesting and unique stats about players or teams worth sharing with the listeners. 

Often players who weren't illustrious names go on to achieve more successful commentary careers as they have to work harder in order to establish their credentials in the media, in order to grab the attention of the world. They simply can't get by on their playing reputations to grab the attention of the viewers, to rise above the crowd. It's beneficial if they write for newspapers, magazines or online columns. They are this way, better prepared. It compliments their work effectively and helpfully. 

Ultimately you want a variety of commentary styles. Some serious, some eloquent, some comical with a better sense of humour than most, some major name who may be a work in progress for commentary along with a specialist presenter to control overall proceedings. But it's important to establish some fundamentals. A clearer pathway must be established for those who didn't necessarily play top level sport, to chase their dreams and commentate. They have a lot to bring to the table provided the chance to showcase their credentials.