In the latest career profile from Insight Edge, we take a look at what it’s like to work in the world of TV broadcasting, and feature an interview with sports TV presenter Michael Kurn.
The role of a TV broadcaster is to be the face of a programme shown on television- to communicate with, entertain and inform the show’s audience. In the live sports industry, key elements often involve hosting a programme, creating links between items and interviewing guests or experts.
Michael Kurn is a sports TV broadcaster. He also owns his own production company, and regularly takes on additional presenting opportunities and establishes other projects to work on. When asked about what the average day looks like for him at the moment, Michael explains:
“Well there’s no such thing as an average day for me, the industry is so varied. If I’m on an event it’s normally an early start to double check my prep work which I have usually done the day before. When you turn up at the event, there is normally a production meeting, before various sound checks and rehearsals and then when the event starts it’s all go go go!”
“I really love what I do. The best bits are getting to witness some of the world’s greatest sporting moments live, but more importantly getting to meet some amazing people. My job is all about sharing people’s stories. From professional athletes to everyday people like you and me, everyone has a great story and I love finding out about it and who people are.”
“I have been really lucky and had so many amazing career highlights so far. Hosting two world cups on home soil (hockey and cricket) has been amazing. Also being part of TalkSport’s FA Cup final coverage at Wembley was incredible, and being part of the build-up for the 1,000th England football international. If I had to pick one highlight so far it would be my first live TV show on the Premier League Channel. It was my first ever live show, I had no experience and just went for it. No fear. Harnessed all my experience presenting live events and it couldn’t have gone any better.”
Michael considers himself incredibly lucky to have been able to witness some amazing sporting moments first-hand, but it hasn’t been an easy ride to get to where he is now.
“At college I studied business, media, performance and politics, and from there went straight into local radio. I went on to do 22 weeks of work experience before getting my first paid gig. It’s been 12 years of hard graft. Grasping every opportunity and never giving up. Currently I am between roles having most recently having a regular slot presenting a show on TalkSport.”
“I think the toughest part of this type of career is that an element of your destiny is in someone else’s hands. As much as it’s in your control to a certain extent based on your work ethic, you are dependent on a producer or a booker wanting to work with you. You just have to be the best version of you. There will be a gig you will get and there will be gigs you won’t. You will think you are in a safe role and then the next minute it’s gone. You have to have a thick skin and massive amounts of resilience. It’s a real roller coaster but I wouldn’t want to get off that rollercoaster – well certainly not anytime soon!”
When asked about what it takes to be successful in both TV broadcasting and presenting events, Michael explains:
“There’s a big difference between live tv and events. The major one is how you communicate; it’s a different presenting style. On a live event you have to deal with delays on the PA system, echoes and therefore you have to alter you diction and delivery. In TV you are in a totally closed environment where the output isn’t going out around you.”
As for the best bits of career advice he has received so far, Michael offers:
“Never Give Up. Believe in yourself and when you are going through hell keep going. I always say there are over 7.7 billion people in the world, you won’t get every gig, you won’t be everyone’s flavour of the month, but there is the gig out there for you, you just have to keep searching and never give up.”
Insight Edge provides personalised career guidance, giving you the knowledge and advice you need to make informed career decisions. If you’re considering a new career path and are ready to make the first step, take a look at the services we offer.