...with Jamie Shapiro.

Makin' them laugh...

There’s nothing I hate more than a sports anchor introducing highlights like this:

“The Buccaneers came into Sunday’s game in Philly primed to exercise the demons from past visits to the City of Brotherly Love. Tampa entered the action losers of 3 straight games at the Vet. Added to that frustrating trend, the Eagles came into the game 49-12 lifetime in home playoff games, and averaging an impressive 322.6 yards of total offense when the temperature is below freezing in a non-primetime game since the strike season of 1987.” I hope you’re not dozing off yet.

Tom Oates mentioned it a few weeks ago and I agree with him – we’re not in the news business as much as the entertainment business. So all of us are really in a frenzied search for those little opportunities, those “moments” that make dynamic and unforgettable television.

You know what I’m talking about. Things like Paul McCartney as a guest at the Super Bowl. On one level, you’d wonder what insight Macca could give on the ‘Bowl – but when you saw him singing Beatle tunes with Terry Bradshaw, well, you STILL haven’t forgotten it. Personally, I’ve brought in a psychic to read players’ auras, re-enacted the Chicago Bulls’ player introductions in studio, and even had my mom bring a Thanksgiving turkey on set and give her “Keys to Thanksgiving” (chyroned, of course, as “The Producer’s Mom”).

All other things being equal, you can add a whole new dimension with well-conceived levity in sports, because after all, we’re talking about the big game, the distraction that most people have from their everyday routine. Watching sports is something people do for fun. So get creative – cover the story, and try to add a little levity.

That said, we have all seen plenty of shows in which an attempt at levity swung… and missed. The main thing is absolutely, positively do not force it. You don’t have the opportunity for humor every day, and you can’t expect that. Know your talent, know their sense of humor, and don’t put them in a position where they clearly won’t be comfortable or won’t pull it off.

Secondly, while you’re planning, get everyone thinking about your idea, and get his or her input. The more people are thinking about a funny idea for a broadcast, the more on board with the idea everyone will be, and you just might get a better moment on the air because someone in the office had a great suggestion.

Don’t let humor take away the focus of your broadcast. Humor should add to your show, not overpower it. Don’t let a funny sports show become a funny show with sports.

Finally, rein it in. Keep it simple. Don’t plan an elaborate joke that takes a minute to get to the punch line. Keep things moving – get your laugh, and get on with the show.

Good luck – and if anyone needs any Thanksgiving turkey on the set this November, my mom might be available. She’s a great guest if I do say so myself.

Jamie Shapiro has been a producer with Sunshine Network in Miami since August 2002. Previously, he worked as a supervising producer with Fox Sports Net Chicago and as a producer at WAMI-TV in Miami. He began his career in sports television when Fox News Channel opened its doors in September of 1996.

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