Live streaming is the way of the future, so much so that it’s already the way of the present. Our cell phones can go live with near-HD quality video at a moments notice from just about anywhere on the planet. In the digital age of sharing and social media, live streaming is the next step forward for technology in society. But what about sportscasting? How can you leverage this powerful tool and incorporate it in your broadcasts?
Here are three ideas on how to incorporate live streaming video, specifically though Facebook Live, into your broadcast routine to better engage your team or station audience by providing unique content that they can’t get elsewhere.
1. Live Streaming Your Pre or Post-Game Shows
This season with my team in Powell River, British Columbia, we’ve begun live-streaming our post-game interviews on Facebook Live. The idea started with recording the live on-air interview with a camera, then editing and uploading it for the post-game recap on the website, however that has evolved to a live streaming them for our Facebook audience. Not only does this save me time after a game (typically late at night either at home, or travelling on a bus), but it provides a great way for fans to engage with the interview by reacting to things being said or asking questions.
Join us for our Facebook Live post game show with Kings assistant coach Brock Sawyer and returning forward Jonny Evans, talking tonight's 5-2 win over the Victoria Grizzlies.
Posted by Powell River Kings on Friday, November 17, 2017
The interview itself is relatively simple, featuring on of our assistant coaches, and if we’re at home (and we win), a player. They come up after the final buzzer and do a short live interview which is a great cap on the game and the broadcast as well.
2. Live Streaming Unique Content During Your Broadcast
This one is a no-brainer and takes absolutely no time to do. Why not share a picture or short video clip of your broadcast location, or a pre-game warmup, or something else that fans would not usually get to see? This season I’ve begun to get into the habit of streaming a short live video from my broadcast location for each game. I then use that video as the last social media post before the game, featuring a quick stat and broadcast links for the game audio and video.
Response to this has been great, not only for my team’s audience, but also by sharing it on social media using the hashtag, #ShowUsYourBooths. This one is a home run with both fans of the team and sportscasters. Some other content that I’ve streamed over the years includes intermission interviews, pre-game previews and much more.
3. Vlogging
You don’t have to be Casey Neistat, Roman Atwood or (shudder) Jake/Logan Paul (I’m not linking to them)…but by sharing a little behind the scenes magic with your fan base you can further engage them to be not only more interested in the team, but you as well. Live streaming select aspects of your broadcast day such as pre-game warmups, unique travel situations or just a simple chat before or after a game can be a great way to show audiences new and engaging content. The fact that you can do it at the press of a couple of buttons on your phone make it that much easier to do as well.
Live Streaming is so simple to achieve in this day and age. The computer we carry in our pocket gives us full access to the world in order to share our message. Taking advantage of these platforms like Facebook Live, Periscope, Twitch and others is part and parcel of being a broadcaster in this day and age and it allows you to not only take your team’s coverage to the next level, but also your own personal brand as well.
