Reviving the Passion for Sports Broadcasting at Gonzaga University
Behind sections 101 and 118 of the McCarthy Athletics Center lies an unassuming room filled with vibrant energy, an array of machines, screens, and broadcast equipment. It is here that a dedicated group of 11 students brings Gonzaga University athletic events to life on ESPN+. This is part of a celebrated “legacy class” at GUTV called DGMP 482: Remote Digital Productions, reintroduced after a 12-year hiatus.
A New Chapter with Alumni Professors
At the forefront of this revival are GU alumni Steven Karr and Greg Talbott, both of whom took this transformative course during their time as students. After successful careers in sports broadcasting, they returned to Gonzaga as professors, eager to impart the same excitement and hands-on experience they cherished. "We are providing fun and actual opportunities in the workforce for a lot of these kids,” Karr says, emphasizing the class’s role as a springboard into live sports production careers, just like it had been for them.
The course once served as more than just an academic endeavor; it was a vital step into the professional realm, acting as a feeder system for sports outlets such as SWX, Root Sports, and even the Pac-12 Network. “And that’s what we’re trying to create,” Karr adds, rallying against the backdrop of Gonzaga’s passionate sports culture.
From Students to Mentors
When Karr and Talbott were students, the landscape of sports broadcasting was quite different. Streaming services were not mainstream, making the opportunity to gain hands-on experience invaluable. Karr recalls the course as "the most fun" anyone could have in the broadcast department, insisting it not only provided real-world experience but also fostered lasting friendships among future professionals.
“It’s a culminating class in the broadcast major,” Talbott explains, highlighting how it blended the technical aspects of broadcasting with their shared love for Gonzaga sports. “The students are always creative, hardworking, and the product is consistently impressive.”
Both Karr and Talbott maintained a dialogue over the years about the potential to bring this transformative course back to Gonzaga. Their paths eventually aligned when Karr returned to GU in 2021 as the video broadcast and production coordinator for GU Athletics, while Talbott took up his roles as a play-by-play broadcaster for the Pac-12 Network and as an English teacher at Mead High School.
Reintroducing the Course with a Fresh Perspective
With collaborative efforts from John Collett, a professor in GU’s Integrated Media department, Karr and Talbott successfully resurrected DGMP 482 for the fall semester. “It’s the honor of a lifetime for us to come back as professors after loving our education here as students,” Talbott says, embodying the sentiment of full-circle fulfillment.
The initial weeks of the course involve lectures focusing on various dimensions of a broadcast, enhanced by guest speakers from significant sports networks who share their journeys and insights. As the semester progresses, students put their theoretical knowledge into practice through actual broadcasts, alternating between production weeks and post-production analysis, which is crucial for honing their skills.
An Athlete’s Approach to Learning
“After the game, we break down the broadcast like it’s a game film,” Talbott explains. During these sessions, students dissect the broadcasts minute by minute, optimizing their understanding of what works and what needs improvement. This reflective practice mirrors that of athletes reviewing game performance, fostering a culture of constant evolution and growth.
The class does not remain confined to the classroom; many students have already begun working with SWX in various capacities. “Giving students opportunities like I had as a student is what makes this role worth it,” Karr notes, reflecting on the mentorship aspect of their positions as educators.
Cultivating a Culture of Giving Back
Karr articulates a guiding principle: “I try to live my life on the principle that we need to give back so that everybody can be elevated all at once.” He portrays a vision of collaboration, a collective effort aimed at achieving shared goals and ensuring everyone grows together.
Both Karr and Talbott hope to sustain this course for future generations because they recognize its foundational importance to their success. “Gonzaga is such a sport-loving school,” Talbott remarks. By offering students the chance to channel their passions for both sports and broadcasting into live production, they are creating a mutually beneficial experience for all involved.
Join the Journey into Broadcasting
As the new cohort of students strides forward in their journey through DGMP 482, they’re not just learning about broadcasting; they’re weaving their narrative into the rich tapestry of Gonzaga sports history, all under the guidance of mentors who once walked the same halls and nurtured similar dreams. This course stands as a testament to the enduring bond between education and passion, shaping the next generation of sports broadcasters at Gonzaga University.
