-
10 Questions with ... David Brody
November 7, 2006
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. -
NAME:David BrodyTITLE:PresidentCOMPANY:Broadcaster Marketing ServicesBORN:Passaic, NJRAISED:New Jersey
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Started as a sports reporter at WDRC in Hartford, CT in 1983. Spent 7 years doing Princeton Basketball PBP, was an update anchor at WIP in Philadelphia and spent 10 years as a talk-show host on the Sports Byline Radio Network.
1. How did you get your start in radio? And how did you transition to talent representation?
I got my start in High School. I had a buddy who was a DJ on the H.S. station and he needed someone to read the sports. I did a Howard Cosell impersonation and he had me read the sports as Cosell.
After 20 years of on-air work, I figured I had done enough damage, and I decided to start working with guys with real talent.
2. What are you passionate about?
I'm passionate about my job. I enjoy coaching young talent. I also enjoy representing talent. There's nothing like telling a client he got the job and it's time to pack the bags.
3. In a difficult job market for sportscasters, how does a newcomer get a start? And what can they do to help themselves advance?
He or she gets a start by knocking on doors, and by getting to know as many people as possible. Networking is huge. You also must be willing to do anything you're asked to do, as long as the request is legal. Don't ever turn down a shift and don't ever complain about your hours.
4. If you hadn't gone into radio, what would you be doing today?
I would probably be an overpaid lawyer.
5. Do you miss being on the air yourself? What was your favorite or most memorable moment from your on-air career?
At times I do miss being on-air, especially when I watch a great game. My most memorable moment from my on-air days was calling the Princeton-Georgetown NCAA Tournament Game in 1989. For the record, Bob Scrabis was fouled by Alonzo Mourning on that last shot. Terrible no-call.
6. Who's the best sportscaster ever? (Clients excepted, of course)
That's tough to answer. I have great respect for so many guys, but if I had to go with one, other than Eric Dickerson, I would say Marv Albert. His baseketball, hockey and boxing are the best I've ever heard. Dickerson has to be the worst if that's your next question.
7. Of what are you most proud?
I'm proud of the fact that after all these years I'm still in this business and every now and then I get a paycheck.
8. What do you do for fun?
I go to sporting events. I got into this business because I loved going to games, and can't think of a better way to spend a day than at a ballpark.
9. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _____________.
...waffles. I'm addicted. I think I need waffle rehab.
10. What's the best advice you've ever gotten? The worst?
Best advice was from a DJ at WNBC radio in NYC in 1979. He told me to go to college and to take as many grammar courses as possible.
The worst advice came from a PD in Hartford who told me to forget about sports and to become a DJ. He said I would never get an on-air job as a sportscaster.
-
-