SportsCenter on the Road producer thrives at away games
Once again, SportsCenter on the Road has presence at the biggest and most important sporting events, this time with the 2016 NBA Finals in both Oakland and Cleveland. Tonight’s 6 p.m. ET edition with Lindsay Czarniak originates from outside the Quicken Loans Arena, in advance of NBA Finals Game 4 (ABC, 9 p.m.).
Front Row caught up with SportsCenter segment producer Jasmine Alexander to ask about what it is like producing shows on the road.
“Jasmine is one of those people who makes those working with her want to do their best. The thing I find so valuable about having her on our team is her fresh perspective and her versatility. She’s been such an asset with our show on the road because of her natural curiosity and ability to create relationships with the teams and athletes we are covering. She does it all. Producing segments that bring out the best of our analysts and guests. She has a natural news judgment and feel for the most important and most entertaining content. That is something you just can’t teach and why she, in many ways, is like the glue that keeps us together. “
How would you describe your job?
As a segment producer on the 6 p.m. ET SportsCenter, I work with Lindsay Czarniak and our show team to determine how we are going to tell the stories that matter to sports fans. I identify interesting topics, video, sound bites and the special guests who should join the show.
What it’s like to be on the road for the NBA Finals?
Taking SportsCenter on the road for the NBA Finals is exciting because you have the opportunity to have some very unscripted and memorable moments. I’m usually on the court with Lindsay during the show and I keep an eye out for guests who would make a great addition to what we already have planned. This week, I saw Syracuse University head coach Jim Boeheim standing courtside and he ended up agreeing to join Lindsay for a live interview.
Charles Barkley was also a memorable guest, I was just a kid in Philadelphia when he was on the Sixers, so to get the chance to meet him and produce his interview 25 years later was pretty cool.
What is it like working with Lindsay Czarniak?
I’ve probably been to 10 different cities with Lindsay over the past year for SportsCenter on the Road and the best part is the constant collaboration. We are always emailing and talking about topics and story ideas whether we are in the airport or on set. I’ve learned a lot about storytelling from watching her interview guests that range from LeBron James to Steph Curry to John Legend.
What is your favorite part about being on the road?
My favorite part of being on the road is the experience we create for our viewers. Our show team works really hard to give fans the sense that they are in Cleveland at the game and a part of all the pre-game action.
I also enjoy the opportunity to talk face to face with the reporters, bureau producers and analysts who I normally correspond with on e-mail or over the phone.
