Sportscasting Mentors of America (SMA) FAQ

“What exactly does SMA do?”

“What exactly is a “Sportscasting Apprenticeship?”

“Aren’t Apprenticeships really just Internships?”

“Do you have a sportscasting apprenticeship ‘school’ nearby me?”

“Which radio stations do you work with in my area?”

“How Often Will I meet with my mentor and go into the station?”

“How does SMA’s Job Placement compare with the others?”

"How do your costs compare with broadcasting schools?"

“How much does it cost?”

“Do you offer financial aid or financing?”

“How long will my apprenticeship take?”

“Is there a ‘best time’ to get started?”

“How do I get started?”

“What exactly does SMA do?”

SMA pairs aspiring sports broadcasters with working sportscasters for training. The primary difference in training programs offered is length of training. The “Supreme Insider” students will be paired with a local sportscaster in their radio station, or with a team announcer for a three month training program, while “Ultra Insider” students will be paired with a local sportscaster for a six month training program.

You choose the specific radio station or team in your area you’d like to train and hopefully work one day. SMA then sets up your initial placement interview. If accepted for training by your sportscasting-mentor, their station is where a major portion of your training occurs. After being placed, SMA provides you with all the training materials you’ll work from, as well as providing you with ongoing support and oversight of your training program. We serve as the overseer of your training throughout the entire time.

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“What exactly is a “Sportscasting Apprenticeship?”

Think of a regular apprenticeship. You sit at the foot of the master and directly learn their skills through observation, hands-on training and discussion - all while under their watchful eye and supervision. It’s the same thing with a sportscasting apprenticeship. A skilled sports broadcaster will train and guide you, either in his or her radio station or through the team they announce for - depending upon your training preferences.

“Aren’t apprenticeships really just Internships?”

No. Typically, internships are only available to currently enrolled college students. In exchange for free labor, radio stations will give college credits to student interns. Radio stations will usually assign interns where the need is greatest - which could be anything from performing administrative duties to handing out tee-shirts or bumper stickers through their promotions department.

At no point in time does radio station management imply, state, or promise that interns will be trained specifically for eventual on-air broadcasting jobs.

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“Do you have a sportscasting apprenticeship ‘school’ nearby me?”

It depends! Do you have any radio stations nearby? Though many people think of us as a sports broadcasting school, the only ‘classroom’ SMA students ever see is the inside of a radio station. The only ‘professor’ you’ll ever have is a working sportscaster from that station or local team.

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“Which radio stations do you work with in my area?”

1) Every radio station with a sportscaster is a candidate to work with you
2) You’ll submit 4-6 station preferences as to where you’d like to train 
3) You choose the days and times you’d like to train.
4) We’ll set up an interview for you with a prospective mentor from one of your station preferences. If accepted after your interview, this is who you’ll train with, and the station where your training will take place.

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“How often will I meet with my mentor and go into the station?”

The beauty of the apprenticeship model is the flexibility it offers students, based upon their schedule and availability. Most students will typically go into the station once or twice a week, schedule permitting. All students are required to host their own show while training, which is a part of what mentors are evaluating when meeting.

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“How does SMA’s job placement compare with other broadcasting schools?”

SMA’s comprehensive and strategic five-point approach to job placement is what separates it from ANY other radio broadcasting program or school out there. We invite you to compare and see for yourself.

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“How do your costs compare with broadcasting schools?”

Equally important to cost, first compare the value and volume of services that SMA offers over any other sports broadcasting school. Given that, SMA’s sports broadcasting apprenticeships are still $4000-$8000 less expensive than the average broadcasting school, and are competitively priced with other apprenticeship programs. This is because you’re not paying for the cost of running a facility, or the salary and health benefits for a large faculty.

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“How much does it cost?”

It depends upon which training program is a better fit for your needs and budget. Your three month “Supreme Insider” training program currently cost $2997, while your six month “Ultra Insider” training program currently costs $4897. Financing is available for both training programs.

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“How long will my apprenticeship take?”

Most “Ultra Insider” students complete their in-station apprenticeships within 6 months, while “Supreme Insider” students will be expected to complete their training within 3 months. However, another major benefit SMA provides its “Ultra Insider” students is the flexibility offered in the amount of time your training requires.

Since no two people grasp this information at the same pace, if it takes you longer to complete your course...so be it. Unlike other sports broadcasting schools or University programs that generally have a set start and completion date, SMA allows you the freedom to progress at your own pace.

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“Do you offer financial aid or financing?”

SMA DOES offer financing, but does NOT offer financial aid. We have other flexible financing options you may want to inquire about, as well.

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“Is there a ‘best time’ to get started?”

The ‘best time’ to get started is when you're finally ready to become a sports broadcaster. Since SMA doesn’t operate on a semester or college-quarter basis, it's best to begin when you’re ready to make a commitment to your sportscasting future. Remember, you have one chance to make a first impression, making it important to be fully committed.

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“What now? How do I get started?”

You can either fill out the Question-contact form or call us directly. We promise you’ll speak to a real person who will be happy to answer any questions you may still have.

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