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Sports Broadcasting Jobs in Normal, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Sports Broadcasting information

See Normal, IL salary details

$13

$15

$17

How much do sports broadcasting jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for sports broadcasting in Normal, IL is $15.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.81 and $15.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is sports broadcasting?

Sports broadcasting is the field of media that involves reporting, announcing, and providing commentary for sporting events through television, radio, or online platforms. Sports broadcasters may work as play-by-play announcers, color commentators, sideline reporters, or studio hosts. Their job is to inform and entertain audiences by describing the action, providing analysis, and sharing stories about the athletes and teams involved. Sports broadcasting requires strong communication skills, a deep knowledge of sports, and the ability to think quickly in live environments.

What are different jobs in sports broadcasting?

There are numerous types of positions in sports broadcasting from, technicians to sound engineers to announcers. Responsibilities vary based on the job. Camera operators manage the audio and visual transmission of a TV program, using specialized techniques for filming sports. A sports broadcaster relays the news and provides play-by-play commentary on the action. Other duties involve interviewing players and staff and researching statistics to make it engaging for viewers. A sports broadcaster typically works with one news station. Qualifications to become a sports broadcaster often include a bachelor’s degree or significant experience in broadcasting, journalism, or communications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a sports broadcaster, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sports Broadcaster, you need a deep understanding of sports, excellent verbal communication skills, and typically a degree in journalism, communications, or a related field. Familiarity with audio and video production equipment, editing software, and live broadcasting systems is essential. Strong interpersonal skills, adaptability, and the ability to think quickly on-air help broadcasters engage audiences and manage unpredictable situations. These skills ensure accurate, engaging, and timely sports coverage that resonates with viewers and listeners.

What are the typical challenges faced by professionals in sports broadcasting, and how can job seekers prepare for them?

Sports broadcasting professionals often face challenges such as working irregular hours, managing live production pressures, and keeping up with fast-paced developments during events. It's common to work evenings, weekends, or holidays, especially during major sports seasons. To prepare, job seekers should develop strong communication and quick decision-making skills, gain experience with live broadcast technology, and build resilience for high-pressure scenarios. Networking and staying current with industry trends also help in adapting to the dynamic nature of the field.

What is the difference between Sports Broadcasting vs Sports Journalism?

AspectSports BroadcastingSports Journalism
CredentialsBroadcasting or journalism degree, communication skillsJournalism degree, writing and reporting skills
Work EnvironmentTV/radio studios, live events, on-air rolesPrint, online, digital media, field reporting
Employer & Industry UsageTV networks, radio stations, sports channelsNewspapers, online outlets, sports magazines

Sports Broadcasting focuses on delivering live or recorded sports content through TV, radio, or digital media, emphasizing on-air presentation and production. Sports Journalism involves researching, writing, and reporting sports news, often for print or online platforms. While both roles require strong communication skills and sports knowledge, broadcasting is more on-camera and production-oriented, whereas journalism centers on storytelling and reporting.

How hard is it to get a job in sports broadcasting?

Getting a job in sports broadcasting can be competitive due to high demand and limited entry-level positions. Success often requires relevant experience, strong communication skills, and knowledge of broadcasting tools and techniques. Building a portfolio through internships or volunteering can improve chances of employment in this field.

How much are sports broadcasters paid?

Sports broadcasters' salaries vary widely based on experience, market size, and the level of the position. Entry-level broadcasters may earn around $30,000 to $50,000 annually, while experienced professionals at major networks can earn six-figure salaries or more. Factors such as on-air talent, reputation, and the specific sport or network influence compensation levels.

How to get a job as a sports broadcaster?

To become a sports broadcaster, individuals typically pursue a degree in journalism, communications, or a related field and gain experience through internships or entry-level reporting roles. Developing strong communication skills, knowledge of sports, and proficiency with broadcasting equipment or editing software are essential for success in this field.
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What job categories do people searching Sports Broadcasting jobs in Normal, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Sports Broadcasting jobs in Normal, IL are:

What cities near Normal, IL are hiring for Sports Broadcasting jobs?

Cities near Normal, IL with the most Sports Broadcasting job openings:

Sports Broadcasting jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sports Broadcasting job openings in Normal, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,580 per year, or $15.2 per hour.

Account Executive

Cumulus Media New Holdings Inc.

Bloomington, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Manage relationships with local and regional businesses to grow revenue and create new business opportunities.

  • Develop and deliver multi-platform marketing solutions tailored to client goals, including broadcast, digital, and event tactics.

  • Negotiate and close sales deals to achieve revenue targets and maintain long-term client relationships.

Job description

Company Overview
Cumulus Media is an audio-first media company delivering premium content to a quarter billion people every month - wherever and whenever they want it. Cumulus Media engages listeners with high-quality local programming through 384 owned-and-operated radio stations across 84 markets; delivers nationally-syndicated sports, news, talk, and entertainment programming from iconic brands including the NFL, the NCAA, the Masters, US Soccer, AP News, and the Academy of Country Music Awards, across more than 7,800 affiliated stations through Westwood One, a leading national audio network; and inspires listeners through the Cumulus Podcast Network, an established and influential platform for original podcasts that are smart, entertaining, and thought-provoking. Cumulus Media provides advertisers with personal connections, local impact and national reach through broadcast and on-demand digital, mobile, social, and voice-activated platforms, as well as integrated digital marketing services, powerful influencers, full-service audio solutions, industry-leading research and insights, and live event experiences. For more information visit www.cumulusmedia.com.
Position Overview
The Account Executive successfully manages relationships with dozens of local and regional businesses, protects and grows the revenue base, identifies and creates new business opportunities with existing and new clients; provides marketing solutions to help customers achieve their business goals; strategically plans and implements initiatives to meet personal, company and corporate directives, recognizes that achieving budgeted revenue targets is the minimum expectation of performance. The right individual will invest in personal professional development, understanding technology, marketing and the full suite of company products and services.
Key Responsibilities & Qualifications
Key Responsibilities:
  • Able to create and identify client business needs by gaining a deep understanding of their goals, objectives and processes as well as their external environment including key market and consumer trends to proactively develop customized marketing solutions to meet client objectives
  • Deliver and Develop effective and informed marketing solutions via multi-platform, integrated sales presentations identifying Cumulus broadcast, digital, and event tactics to foster brand loyalty and deliver results for the client
  • Ability to negotiate and close business that drives revenue results and fosters long term client relationships, regardless of medium or platform
  • Commitment to having a proficient understanding of the Cumulus Media assets and resources and a desire to constantly learn and grow your product knowledge thus staying relevant and current with industry advertising opportunities for your clients
  • Represent the full suite of products and services as marketing solutions to new and existing clientele. This includes station digital assets, internet-based marketing, social media, streaming, events and specialized programming
  • Ability to appropriately manage time to optimize revenue opportunities, client interaction, implementation and fulfillment of successful sales agreements. Individual must be able to assist in the development of creative messaging, regardless of platform
  • Excel at prospecting and aggressively seeking new clientele by networking, cold calling, canvassing, referrals or other means to maintain a full pipeline of sales prospects at all times
  • Follow all station and corporate procedures for preparing orders, resolving billing issues, submitting regular reports regarding sales, pipeline lists, forecasts and competitive analysis
  • Collaborate, create, and capitalize on opportunities to best represent our brand while working to help your clients achieve success

Qualifications:
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office suite, social networking platforms and CRM tools
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Passion for developing new business relationships in an outside sales role
  • Enjoy presenting to clients of sales opportunities and post-sale successes
  • Strong understanding of lead generation and ability to connect with viable prospects
  • Comprehension of sales metrics in order to fill a sales funnel and maintain a constant pipeline of new business
  • Self-motivating and entrepreneurial spirit
  • Positive and friendly with a willingness to collaborate
  • High energy and passion for sales
  • Flexible, creative and curious
  • Digitally savvy
  • 3+ years in Media Sales background preferred
  • Bachelor's degree in business, Marketing or related field is preferred

Pay Range
The monthly pay range listed above reflects your guaranteed income during your first year, with additional opportunities to earn commissions
What We Offer
  • Competitive Pay
  • Focused, responsible and collaborative work environment with the ability, to ask "what if" and try innovative solutions
  • Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance coverage
  • 401K with company match
  • Paid Vacation, Sick & Holiday time off
  • Parental leave time off benefits, life insurance, disability insurance, wellness, and an employee referral bonus program

For immediate consideration, please visit https://jobs.cumulusmedia.com/jobs
For more information about Cumulus Media, visit our website at: https://www.cumulusmedia.com/
EEO Statement
CUMULUS MEDIA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).

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