In this episode, Sarah Holtan, PhD is joined by her old friend, veteran NBC Sports Boston reporter Trenni Casey, for a candid look at the evolving world of sportscasting. Trenni traces her 25-year career path, offering critical insights for today's aspiring journalists, academic leaders, and athletic directors.

They discuss the essential skills for success in the modern media landscape. While foundational traits like curiosity and authenticity are timeless, the industry now demands multifaceted content creators who can shoot, edit, and engage across all social platforms. Trenni provides a crucial reality check on the industry’s financial shifts, including lower salaries and the return of the "one-person-band" journalist.

The conversation explores future trends, from the impact of AI on broadcasting (like an AI Al Michaels) to growth areas in women’s sports and analytics. Trenni also delivers pointed advice for athletic departments: media train your athletes and coaches to protect both them and your brand. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating a career in modern media.

Episode Highlights:

11:14 - I think you have to be. More multifaceted now than you ever were before. You cannot just be a sideline reporter. You cannot just be an anchor. You cannot just be a writer for a newspaper or a website. You have to be able to do all of it, and you don't need to be the best at every facet of it, but you need to be pretty good at all of them.

30:11 - There was a wrap-up every night on Peacock that was voiced by Al Michaels, except it wasn't Al Michaels; it was AI Al Michaels. So they paid Al Michaels for the licensing to his voice.

34:18 - It blows my mind that every single, teen, college, whatever, does not have a media coach on retainer.

37:55 - Stop building $30 million student centers that have like state-of-the-art cold plunges and give that money to kids.

Sarah Holtan, PhD

Website

LinkedIn

Trenni Casey

LinkedIn

NBC Arbella Early Edition With Trenni