“The What, How, and Why of Sports Broadcasting,”
By Andrew Harris
Hornell High School graduate, former Hornell Tribune paperboy, and Syracuse University alumni turned professor has penned a memoir of his career at ESPN. This new book follows Deninger through a storied career at the sports television network and back to Syracuse University were he established a graduate program for sports communication. Read his bio below and then the official book review:
Dennis Deninger is an innovative educator and Emmy-award winning former television production executive and who has produced live sports television from six continents and across the USA. He is a professor of practice at Syracuse University where he was named Falk College Faculty Member of the Year for Excellence in Teaching in 2014. He was the founding director of the sports communications graduate program at the Newhouse School of Public Communications and has created several new graduate and undergraduate level courses at Syracuse, his alma mater.
Dennis Deninger is the author of Live Sports Media: The What, How and Why of Sports Broadcasting, published in 2022, and of Sports on Television, both published by Routledge Taylor and Francis of New York and London. He spent 25 years at ESPN leading production teams for studio programming, live remote events, and digital video platforms.
In Live Sports Media: The What, How and Why of Sports Broadcasting, Dennis Deninger provides an all-encompassing view of the sports television industry from his own perspective as an Emmy Award-winning producer at ESPN, at a time of seismic shifts in the industry. Technological advances and the proliferation of sports content across multiple media platforms have increased accessibility to sports events of all kinds across the world. Shifts in viewing habits and audience preferences are changing the dynamic of sports media and the sports industry as a whole. The result: more power for some sectors and diminished power for many others, to which professionals in the field need to rapidly adapt.
This second edition has been substantially updated to explore the impact of COVID-19 disruptions on sports and the growth of women’s sports broadcasting and evolving sports, as well as political statements made in sports: Black Lives Matter, and “taking a knee.” It illustrates the origins, impact, reach, economics, production, and presentation of sports on video media – including, but not limited to, television. It takes the reader behind the scenes to describe the forces and processes that have shaped and continue to change sports content, its delivery, and how it connects with fans. Dennis Deninger draws from his experiences as an expert in the industry to expose how the choices and decisions that are now being made affect the programming, content, storytelling, production, advertising, and delivery of the sports broadcasting that we will see next season and how it will evolve in the years to come.
This practical, entertaining book provides insights into sports broadcasting that sports management, media, and journalism students and learning practitioners will not find anywhere else.
“Dennis Deninger’s book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history and evolution of sports broadcasting, as well as the various aspects that make it one of the most interesting and complex of topics. You will be hard-pressed to find a more comprehensive and insightful treatment. The author is a real pro, one of the sports television production pioneers whose thoughtful essays in this book take the reader inside an industry at the center of American life and one which has undergone profound change. Dennis is a good friend with whom I was honored to work at ESPN in the network’s formative years. His wide-ranging experience allows him to give the reader a unique and broad perspective on the live sports landscape. Anyone interested in sports broadcasting will devour and enjoy this book.”
–Mike Aresco, Commissioner, The American Athletic Conference
“A very entertaining read, rich in stories from many broadcasting insiders. I’ve been in the industry for 35 years and still learned plenty from this book.”
Chris Fowler, ESPN/ ABC Host and Commentator
“Dennis Deninger really knows his stuff and has unique insight into every aspect of sports broadcasting.”
Ian Eagle, CBS Sports Commentator
“Dennis Deninger’s combination of extensive production experience in sports television and decades as a professor at Syracuse University’s prestigious Newhouse School make this comprehensive look at broadcast sports especially credible.”
Bob Costas, Hall of Fame sports broadcaster
“I highly recommend this book to anyone thinking about entering the business.”
Fred Gaudelli, Executive Producer, NBC Sunday Night Football
“Dennis is a multiple Emmy Award-winning ESPN veteran who has also been honored for excellence in teaching at Syracuse University. He has an impressive command of the sports media industry.”
David Falk, Legendary sports agent
“Deninger’s energy, enthusiasm, and industry intelligence shine through. This is master’s level reading on the ever-changing world of sports, its broadcast connections and inner workings.”
Rob Stone, Fox Sports Host/ Commentator
“Dennis’ experience as a sports broadcast executive, his connections in sport and sports media, and his aptitude for teaching make this book a compelling and educational read.”
Todd Martin, CEO, International Tennis Hall of Fame
