Social media platforms have become such an integral part of our daily lives that fans at sporting event are often seen flicking through their feeds more-so than actually watching the game.  Posting photos on Instagram or firing off tweets from the stands has become common place in ballparks across America.  I know I’ve done it.

Social media has also become a huge part of game broadcasts as well.   Broadcasts now routinely feature interaction between announcers and viewers or listeners.  The information that social media platforms provide to broadcasters has become crucial as well.  But is it all good?  Not necessarily.  Here are three things to consider when deciding how much of a role social media should play in your broadcast.

1.  Be careful how much you consume during your broadcast.  For all of the good social media can do to add depth and information to your broadcast, it can also be a major distraction.  Checking your twitter notifications while you are working is dangerous.  That may be a bit of an overstatement, yet, it contains some truth.  I would typically use social media during games only to monitor other scores, and tweets from local beat writers and other broadcasters.  The minute I checked my mentions, it all went downhill.  Negative tweets aimed at me and the broadcast affected my performance.  I used to stew over tweets that attacked me for a mistake I may have made or my style of calling a game.  I once had a guy wish death upon me because I “sounded too excited” when the opponent scored a run.  I kid you not. Death?  Kind of aggressive, don’t you think?  For as good of a felling it is to get positive feedback on your broadcast, the negative tweets will stay with you longer and take your attention away from doing your job.  Tune out the noise, both good and bad until after the game.
2. Be careful how you interact with fans.  By and large, the interaction I had with fans was extremely positive.  Even with those that offered constructive criticism.  However, there will always be some that are simply looking to pick a fight.  I used to get suckered in to may a twitter feud early on.  Then I learned that the antagonists were sapping my concentration and energy and the broadcast suffered.  Don’t get sucked into prolonged negative interactions, it never pays dividends.
3. Pay attention to constructive criticism.  As I mentioned earlier, social media can be a good source of feedback on your broadcasts.  I would always consider critical feedback, because many times it was intended to help, not antagonize.  There are times when you may not realize you are doing something on the air that bothers listeners.  It is good to at least always consider ideas.  I know it has helped me many times in my career.