Sports broadcasters
“The Voice”
Keith Jackson 1928–2018
When I finally met Keith Jackson ’54 last summer, I felt like I was meeting a friend. He didn’t know it, but we had already spent numerous Saturdays together. While he was calling the biggest games in college football, I was a fan, enjoying not just the games, but the spectacle and excitement that Keith communicated so skillfully to audiences.
Listening to Keith call a game, it was easy to get lost in the excitement of the event. He was a nearly flawless professional—this was obvious to even a casual fan. What set Keith apart from other broadcasters is that he respected the games and … » More …
Running up the competition
If you want the facts about track and field records, ask a statistics junkie like E. Garry Hill ’69. But he might throw you with another fact, this one culled from long experience as editor of Track & Field News, announcer at the Olympics and World championships, and expert on the sport: Track and field as a spectator sport is struggling mightily.
Rows and rows of empty seats faced runners and field athletes competing at the Rio Olympics. And where can you watch big track events on TV? Hill calls it like he sees it, and he’s seen a lot since he competed for Washington … » More …
Shattering some glass—Women sportscasters breaking into the big leagues
Women in sports broadcasting jump hurdles and work hard to succeed in the traditionally male-dominated field, as several WSU alumni can attest.
» More ...Videos: WSU alumni sportscasters
Highlights of sportscasters who graduated from WSU's Murrow College of Communication.
» More ...Video: Bob Robertson, Voice of the Cougars
Watch Bob Robertson in action, calling the WSU vs. Montana State University game in 2001.
» More ...That voice
It’s 8:00 a.m., Saturday, September 8, when Bob Robertson arrives at Martin Stadium. Four hours from now, kickoff between the Washington State Cougars and Eastern Washington University will occur in the first game at the newly renovated stadium.
And when kickoff does happen, Robertson’s signature voice will carry the action to Cougar football fans for the 510th time.
It’s a voice Cougars everywhere connect with Washington State football—even when at a rival school.
“I must say when it worked, and when I was in Portland and the Cougars were playing, I’d get Bob Robertson on the radio,” says Washington State Director of Athletics Bill Moos … » More …