Different types of news broadcasts are important for their own audience. The video’s look, tone, message, and language have to correspond to the topic and the knowledge of people who are interested in watching this particular media piece. Sports broadcasts are a combination of serious news and entertainment, as any game can be considered a job, a competition, and a source of enjoyment for fans. Thus, the style of podcasts and news also mixes serious language and personal opinions to provide new information and engage viewers. The following paper analyzes an episode of the Peter King Podcast, “Unpacking ‘Fascinating’ Super Bowl, NFL Officiating Chemistry,” published on the network’s official YouTube channel NFL on NBC. The video demonstrates the unique features of a sports news broadcast through its use of specific terminology, assumed level of expertise from the audience, and a mix of information and entertainment.
First, one can note the unique tone of sports broadcasts, which mixes news and personal opinions. The podcast episode has the host and one guest who engage in informal conversation. The host shares a piece of information, and the two experts discuss the topic, relying on their knowledge and personal view of the situation. Thus, the tone is unofficial, as both speakers ensure to point out they are sharing only their own interpretation (NFL on NBC, 2023). Nevertheless, the review of each case is thorough and focused on details, facts, and the history of the event. For example, King and Simmons discuss the record of injuries for one athlete. They recall his medical history and previous cases where such injuries would require more rehabilitation to make a point about the athlete’s current state.
Second, the style of the broadcast implements elements of information and entertainment. First, the podcast’s informative portion relates to the recent news discussion. In this case, both participants share what has happened, recalling performance, statistics, interviews, and statements made by athletes, critics, and other participants. Therefore, the viewer can learn more about the recent events in football. At the same time, the host and the guest present their view, which could be considered entertainment. Football, similar to other competitive games, is a type of personal interest for viewers. The discussion of football-related events is entertainment as well.
Another intriguing feature of sports broadcasts is the implied knowledge that the network and the hosts anticipate from the audience. Although the podcast introduces news, it is expected for viewers to understand the context of each event. For example, the players’ names are mentioned briefly to start the discussion, while the host assumes that the viewer knows their history and current record. Similarly, specific terminology related to the game is not explained. The broadcast may be too challenging to understand for somebody who does not know much about football. Therefore, it is apparent that the network expects to attract viewers acquainted with the terminology and historical facts used by sports broadcasters and analysts.
In conclusion, sports broadcasts’ unique style and tone attract viewers with previous knowledge and interest in the field. The host and the guests use specific terminology and discuss events in a way that may be difficult for a person without football knowledge to understand. The speakers share information about past events, official statistics, and history. However, it is implied that the audience is interested in sports as a source of entertainment. As a result, the reviewed podcast episode targets people passionate about football and looking for a mix of news, personal opinions, and a deeper analysis of their interests.
Reference
NFL on NBC. (2023). Unpacking ‘fascinating’ Super Bowl, NFL officiating chemistry | Peter King Podcast | NFL on NBC [Video]. YouTube. Web.