Dave Sims - Television Play-By-Play Announcer | Seattle Mariners
*As told to Bree O'Brien
How did you get started working in the media?
From the time he was a kid in Philadelphia - which he calls “a great sports town” - Sims aspired to work as an announcer, and started his path as a newspaper writer. In college he interned at the Philadelphia Inquirer, and post-graduation went on to work at the New York Daily News as a sportswriter. From there Sims gained a wealth of experience in the media, working in anchoring, producing, hosting a radio talk show, announcing for Temple University, and then ESPN - which he says opened up significant opportunities.
What’s your favorite part of the job?
“Adding to the excitement of a game, and hearing the roar of the crowd,” says Sims. He says he loves announcing baseball, football, and basketball games equally, as favoring one “would be like choosing which one of your children you love the most.”
How do you see your industry evolving?
Technology has been a big help, but Sims emphasizes, “You’re always telling a story. There are better ways to deliver the product than in the past, but the essence of storytelling doesn’t change.”
What advice would you give those who aspire to work in your industry?
“The Golden Rule is always in effect,” Sims says. “And work hard. Show up early, stay late, ask questions and listen to others’ experiences.” He says there are hundreds of people who he’s looked up to as mentors or inspirations over the years, and names Curt Gowdy, Bill Campbell, Charlie Jones, and Tom Brookshier among them.
Steve Soliz - News Anchor | King 5
How did you get started working in the media?
I spent years working in retail, restaurants and tourism until I decided to follow my dream in my mid-twenties. I got a job in radio in my hometown of San Antonio, Texas in 2005. I worked at news/talk radio stations in San Antonio, Dallas and Phoenix before making the move to television in 2014.
What’s your favorite part of the job?
I love that every day brings a new challenge. No two days are ever the same. I also love that I get to collaborate with our brilliantly talented team on news stories that impact western Washington. Plus, because of what I do, I get to meet people from all over the country. I know how truly blessed I am to do what I do where I do it with the people I do it with.
How do you see your industry evolving?
Local television is being forced to evolve as people continue to “cut the cord” and move to streaming services. Media companies are creating new platforms where their content can be found. However, I believe as media companies continue to consolidate, resources could dwindle and become regionalized, negatively impacting smaller local communities.
What advice would you give those who aspire to work in your industry?
I would tell anyone thinking about getting into broadcast journalism to really think about what you’re getting into. You’ll likely have to start by moving to small-town America. You’ll have to work holidays. People will think negatively about you and what you do. Plus, the pay isn’t wonderful. That said, a free press is essential to democracy and people who are committed to seeking the truth are needed now more than ever.
Taylor Soper - Managing Editor | GeekWire
How did you get started working in the media?
My first published content was a letter to the editor in the sports section of The Oregonian, opining about my beloved Portland Trail Blazers. It was so exciting to flip through the physical newspaper and see my byline. Then I was an editor at my high school and college newspapers. One summer in college, I interned for MLB.com, covering the Seattle Mariners. It was an absolute blast. After graduating from the UW — go Dawgs! — I joined GeekWire in 2012 as its first full-time reporter.
What’s your favorite part of the job?
Interacting with some of the smartest and most successful people in our region. We interview leaders across industries and share their insights with our readers. We apply those lessons to our own work at GeekWire as well. I also appreciate the responsibility we have to provide readers with information that impacts their lives, particularly as technology plays a larger role in our world.
How do you see your industry evolving?
Readers will continue to value news, but how they consume and pay for information will change. Media outlets should focus on growing a loyal following and staying abreast of news consumption trends. I'm optimistic about technologies like artificial intelligence that can help us do our jobs more efficiently. At the end of the day, "content is king" — readers keep coming back for relevant and valuable information, regardless of medium.
What advice would you give those who aspire to work in your industry?
Read and write as much as you can. Read top news outlets covering your interest areas. Find the best reporters and read their work. Start writing. It can be a blog, a newsletter, freelancing — just get more reps. If you're looking to join a media outlet, you'll need some "clips" to show the quality of your work. Plus, you'll learn how to use publishing and production tools that may be valuable at a future job.
Don Baker - Market President & Publisher | Puget Sound Business Journal
How did you get started working in the media?
I wanted to be a journalist from the time I was in high school and was always interested in the news. After getting my journalism degree from Ball State University, I worked as a reporter at a small daily newspaper in Ohio. I had several reporting jobs (covering everything from crime to government to business), until landing at the Dayton Business Journal. I had just about every newsroom position and was Editor-in-Chief for 12 years, then Market President and Publisher for four years before moving into the same role at PSBJ over a year ago.
What’s your favorite part of the job?
Meeting many new people all the time; learning about their stories and backgrounds is fascinating. It keeps things interesting and has made my family’s transition to the Seattle area much easier. We bought a house in Kirkland, and I’ve already met so many people through work who are from the Eastside. Our industry is about relationships, whether it’s sources for reporters or clients for sales reps. We do two or three dozen events annually and doing them in-person now is so much fun.
How do you see your industry evolving?
It’s critical to be attuned to your audience and deliver what they want from your news organization. Each media outlet has its own unique role and to continue to thrive you must stay true to your mission. The industry is diversifying from a revenue standpoint, as ad dollars and subscriptions no longer pay all the bills. Finding new revenue streams will be vital for every media organization to continue operating in a way that serves the needs of the public.
What advice would you give those who aspire to work in your industry?
Never forget why you chose this profession. Always stay true to your ethics and put the reader first and you will be very successful in the end.
Brian Jackson - News Anchor | Fox 13
How did you get started working in the media?
I met a sports anchor named Jim Rose when I was in sixth or seventh grade. He explained that he got paid to go to Chicago Bears and Bulls games and talk to Michael Jordan. I decided at that point to pursue a career as a sports anchor. Along the way I made the transition to news.
What’s your favorite part of the job?
Being on the news side of journalism, I have the opportunity to make a bigger impact on the communities we cover. Highlighting people and places that feel they don’t have a voice. Plus, no two days are ever the same in this business.
How do you see your industry evolving?
We have no control over the technological advances that will continue to change not just journalism, but all industries. TV will adjust as needed. But one thing that won’t change is authenticity. People watch who they trust and that helps with likeability.
What advice would you give those who aspire to work in your industry?
Get comfortable with being told no! This business is extremely subjective. It only takes ONE yes. When you get that opportunity, don’t take it for granted. Also, the importance of finding the right mentors. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for multiple people advising me over the years. Now I make it a point to help younger journalists carve their own career paths.