In the world of sports broadcasting, the unexpected can often become the most memorable. A play that defies expectations or a moment of pure emotion can make waves, but those waves are not always as smooth as they seem. When a play from your game turns into a viral moment, the attention can be overwhelming—both the good and the bad. The key to handling that kind of scrutiny, particularly the negative side of it, lies in how you control your emotions, your voice, and the message you send out to your audience.
One broadcaster who knows exactly what it’s like to experience a viral moment is Dustin Forbes of the WHL’s Lethbridge Hurricanes. In March 2016, Forbes’ call of Stuart Skinner’s unexpected goalie goal in the game between the Hurricanes and the Medicine Hat Tigers blew up across the globe. From being shared by BarDown to making its way onto The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, the clip was everywhere. But as much as the moment was exhilarating, it also came with its fair share of challenges. So how does one navigate the intense spotlight that comes with such an experience?
The Unexpected Surge of Attention
Forbes remembers the exact moment when he realized the viral potential of his call.
“I knew about an hour or so after the game that it would generate some viral fire when BarDown shared the call,” he recalled in an interview with Sportscaster Life. “By the next morning, it was EVERYWHERE.”
The response was nothing short of overwhelming. Forbes received countless media requests, interviews, and messages. As he explained, “I must’ve done probably 20+ interviews in the week after the call… I never in my wildest dreams did I think it would go crazy like that.”
The lesson here for sportscasters? Be prepared for the unexpected. The viral moment can happen at any time, and your reaction in the moment matters. Forbes was able to take it all in stride and reflect on the moment with both pride and a touch of humility. Still, the attention came with a fair amount of pressure.
The Strain of Perfectionism: Embracing the Imperfections
When it comes to sportscasting, we all strive for perfection—but the reality is that no one is perfect. Even Forbes admits that his call of Skinner’s goalie goal wasn’t flawless.
“Admittedly, I despise the call,” he shared. “It was earlier in my career, and I don’t think I had the same control over my voice as I do now.” That voice crack—a moment of raw emotion—was something that some listeners criticized, but Forbes also came to embrace it as part of the magic of the moment.
The voice crack became a defining feature of the call, turning into something that encapsulated the energy in the arena and the unexpectedness of the goal. After all, thousands of fans in the stadium shared the same shocked and thrilled reaction.
For new sportscasters, Forbes’ advice is clear: embrace your imperfections. “The voice crack… encapsulated the moment,” he said. “I think there wasn’t a single person in the building that night who didn’t have the same reaction.”
The Double-Edged Sword of Viral Attention
While Forbes appreciated the attention that the viral moment brought him, he also saw its downside. On the one hand, the moment helped put his name out there, connecting him forever to Skinner’s unforgettable goal. But on the other hand, it led to polarized opinions. As Forbes puts it, “With the attention on a call like that, there are always going to be the people who like it and have good things to say and the people who hate it and have terrible things to say.”
In the world of social media, the criticism can be brutal. However, Forbes managed to navigate this by building a thicker skin, and he advises others to do the same. “Try not to let the negativity get to you,” he said. “Focus on the positive comments to build you up.” The best broadcasters learn how to separate the positive from the negative and use both to fuel their growth.
Tips for Handling Viral Moments in Sports Broadcasting
Handling a viral moment as a sportscaster doesn’t come with a one-size-fits-all solution. However, there are a few strategies you can implement to manage the pressure and leverage the attention in a positive way:
- Embrace the Moment: As Forbes said, lean into the moment. Don’t shy away from it. It’s a rare opportunity that could change your career trajectory.
- Control Your Reaction: The way you respond to the viral moment speaks volumes. Whether it’s on social media or in interviews, your professionalism and emotional control will define your image as a broadcaster.
- Don’t Take the Negativity Personally: There will always be critics, but their opinions don’t define your worth. Focus on the constructive feedback and move forward.
- Be Prepared for Opportunities: Viral moments often lead to interviews, podcasts, and even career opportunities. Stay grounded and take advantage of what comes your way.
Reflection: Is the Viral Moment Worth It?
Forbes’ viral call of Stuart Skinner’s goalie goal is forever linked to his career. It’s a moment that, for better or for worse, defines part of his legacy. But was it worth it? The answer is more complicated than a simple yes or no. As Forbes himself said, “Some days I feel like the emotion that overtook me in the moment… maybe that’s hindered my ability to get to the next level.” On the flip side, “It brought a lot of fans happiness, and they remember that moment fondly.”
As a broadcaster, it’s important to remember that these viral moments don’t just happen to anyone. They’re the product of a lot of preparation, passion, and authenticity. If you find yourself in the same situation, embrace it—imperfections and all—and let it fuel your growth as a sportscaster.