Imagine being transported to a world where the only thing that matters is the sound, and the pictures are just a distant memory. This is the power of radio broadcasting, a medium that has been painting vivid pictures in the minds of listeners for decades. Welcome to 'On the Air,' a journey into the world of broadcasters, on-air performance, and career journeys, hosted by Sports Media Watch Podcast co-host Armand Broady. In this episode, we're going to explore how radio broadcasting still has the ability to captivate audiences and create an intimate relationship between the announcer and the listener. But here's where it gets interesting: despite the rise of television and other visual media, radio remains a beloved and essential part of the sports landscape. And this is the part most people miss: the fact that radio announcers have the unique ability to create pictures in the minds of listeners using only their voices. One of the most iconic radio broadcasters of all time, Vin Scully, was known for his ability to paint vivid pictures with his words. In a 2016 column for ESPN.com, baseball writer Jayson Stark shared a story about how music legend Ray Charles was a huge fan of Scully's broadcasts. Charles, who was blind, would often listen to Scully's games on the radio and was amazed by the way he could create an entire world with just his voice. 'The pictures mean nothing to me,' Charles said. 'It's all the sound. And Vin Scully's broadcasts are almost musical.' This ability to create an immersive experience for listeners is what sets great radio announcers apart from the rest. Kevin Harlan, the lead voice of the NFL on Westwood One Radio, is one of those announcers. With his sonorous voice and vivid descriptions, Harlan has the ability to transport listeners to the stadium, even if they're sitting in their cars or living rooms. 'When I was a kid, I fell asleep listening to iconic radio voices,' Harlan said in an interview with the Sports Media Watch Podcast. 'I romanticized these voices and their perch in a stadium and just the skill at creating such a vivid impression in my mind.' Harlan's passion for radio is evident in every broadcast, and his ability to create an intimate relationship with his listeners is unparalleled. But what makes a great radio announcer? Is it the ability to create vivid pictures with words, or is it something more? According to Harlan, it's a combination of factors, including voice, delivery, resonance, inflection, energy, and word usage. 'Radio, to me, is the purest form of broadcasting,' Harlan said. 'It's voice, it's delivery, it's resonance, it's inflection, it's the energy, it's the word usage, it's the descriptive details, it's reporting skills.' As we delve deeper into the world of radio broadcasting, we start to realize that it's not just about the announcers; it's about the medium itself. Radio has the ability to create a sense of community and intimacy that is hard to find in other forms of media. And this is what makes it so special. But here's the controversy: in an era where television and visual media dominate the sports landscape, is radio still relevant? Some might say that radio is a dying medium, but others would argue that it's still an essential part of the sports experience. So, what do you think? Is radio still relevant in today's sports landscape? Let us know in the comments. As we continue to explore the world of radio broadcasting, we'll be discussing more topics, including the role of announcers who can do it all. From play-by-play announcers to analysts, we'll be examining the skills and traits that make a great radio announcer. And this is the part that will spark some debate: can announcers really do it all, or are they better off specializing in one area? James Brown, a broadcast legend and host of 'The NFL Today,' has done it all, from play-by-play announcing to analysis. 'I wanted to make sure I could be well-rounded,' Brown said in a recent episode of the Sports Media Watch Podcast. 'Verne Lundquist and others told me the same thing, 'J.B., do as many different sports as you can to show your versatility. That should equate to longevity and some opportunity to do other things like news.' Brown's ability to adapt and thrive in different roles is a testament to his skill and dedication as a broadcaster. But what about other announcers who have made the transition from play-by-play to analysis or vice versa? Pat Summerall, for example, started as an NFL analyst on radio and television before becoming a legendary play-by-play announcer. And then there's Frank Gifford, who made the switch from play-by-play to analysis in 1986. As we explore the world of radio broadcasting, we'll be asking more questions and sparking more debates. So, stay tuned and join the conversation. What do you think makes a great radio announcer? Is it the ability to create vivid pictures with words, or is it something more? Let us know in the comments.
