Sports Broadcasting Books Worth Reading in 2024

​Sports broadcasting is an important aspect of the world of sports. It is through sports broadcasting that millions of people around the world get to witness their favorite teams, players, and games in action. ESPN as a network has changed the way we consume sports as fans, with 24-hour coverage. When Sportscenter was first introduced, the concept of having round the clock sports news was considered crazy. Who would watch it?  

Years later, can you imagine a world without it? 

If you are interested in a career in sports broadcasting and want to learn more about it, then you should definitely check out five of our favorites below. Maybe you want to be a sports radio host, a play-by-play announcer, or a sports commentator of some sort. Or, maybe you're simply fascinated with how this stuff works.

​The ESPN book is tremendous, but be warned that it's extremely long! Enjoy the list!  

The Top 5

Those Guys Have All the Fun: Inside the World of ESPN by James Andrew Miller and Tom Shales

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​ESPN is one of the most popular sports broadcasting networks in the world. "Those Guys Have All the Fun" is a comprehensive look at the history and culture of ESPN. Written by James Andrew Miller and Tom Shales, the book chronicles the network's rise from a small startup to a global sports media powerhouse. The book is based on interviews with over 500 current and former ESPN employees, including executives, producers, reporters, and on-air talent.

The book covers everything from the network's early days to its current dominance in the sports media landscape. It delves into the inner workings of the network, including the development of popular shows like SportsCenter and the hiring and firing of on-air talent. It also covers some of the controversies that have plagued ESPN over the years, such as the network's handling of the Ray Rice domestic violence incident and the firing of former baseball analyst Curt Schilling.

"Those Guys Have All the Fun" is a fascinating and entertaining read for anyone interested in sports broadcasting. It provides an inside look at the world of sports media and the people who make it all happen. It's also a great gift item and makes a nice centerpiece on the living room coffee table. 

Sports on Television by Dennis Deninger

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​"Sports on Television" is a comprehensive guide to the world of sports broadcasting. Written by Dennis Deninger, a former ESPN executive, the book covers everything from the history of sports broadcasting to the latest trends and technologies in the field. The book is designed for students of sports broadcasting, as well as professionals in the industry.

The book covers a wide range of topics, including the development of sports broadcasting, the role of the announcer, the use of technology in sports broadcasting, and the challenges facing sports broadcasters today. It also includes interviews with some of the biggest names in sports broadcasting, such as Bob Costas, Jim Nantz, and Al Michaels.

You Can't Make This Up by Al Michaels

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​Al Michaels is one of the most recognizable and respected sports broadcasters of all time, known for his iconic calls of some of the most memorable moments in sports history. In "You Can't Make This Up", Michaels shares his unique perspective on his career in sports broadcasting, providing insights into the art and craft of sports commentary and the challenges and rewards of covering some of the biggest events in sports.

The book covers Michaels' entire career, from his early days as a local sportscaster in Hawaii to his years as the voice of Monday Night Football and his current role as the lead play-by-play announcer for NBC's Sunday Night Football. Along the way, Michaels shares stories and anecdotes from some of the most memorable moments in sports history, including the Miracle on Ice at the 1980 Winter Olympics and the earthquake-interrupted World Series of 1989.

One of the unique features of "You Can't Make This Up" is Michaels' willingness to provide insights into the technical and logistical challenges of sports broadcasting. He discusses the importance of preparation, the challenges of working with a variety of personalities and production teams, and the strategies that he uses to maintain his focus and composure during high-pressure situations.

The book is also notable for its insights into the personalities and relationships that make up the world of sports broadcasting. Michaels shares his thoughts on some of his closest colleagues and friends, including Howard Cosell, Frank Gifford, and John Madden, providing a candid and entertaining look at some of the biggest personalities in sports broadcasting.

The Voices of Baseball by Kirk McKnight

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​"The Voices of Baseball" is a collection of interviews with some of the greatest broadcasters in the history of baseball. The book features interviews with 22 broadcasters, including Vin Scully, Ernie Harwell, Bob Uecker, and Harry Caray. The interviews cover everything from the broadcasters' early days in the industry to their most memorable moments behind the microphone. The book offers a fascinating look at the history of baseball broadcasting and provides valuable insights into the art of calling a game.

Crazy, With the Papers to Prove It by Dan Daly

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Dan Daly is a veteran Cleveland sports journalist who has covered a wide range of sports and personalities throughout his 45-year career. In "Crazy, With the Papers to Prove It," he shares some of the most memorable stories from his decades in the industry. The book includes profiles of athletes, coaches, and broadcasters, as well as behind-the-scenes looks at some of the most unforgettable moments in sports history. Fun for fans of Cleveland sports and entertaining for a broader audience of younger sports journalists. 

Final Thoughts

Have a favorite sports broadcasting book that we should check out? Shoot us a note below in the comments. 

For additional lists of our favorite sports books, check out our Recommendations page. 

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