Great Lakes Broadcast and Sports Media Academy

The Michigan Association of Broadcasters (MAB) and the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) have partnered to help students launch careers in media at the Great Lakes Broadcast & Sports Media Academy. The November 2024 event allowed students interested in a career in media to connect with Michigan TV and Radio stations during a career fair, network with peers, and learn from some of the industry's leading talent in every aspect of media - on-air, engineering, sales, programming, and production.

Click Here to View the 2024 Image Gallery

Keynote Conversation

Dan Miller
Detroit Lions Play-by-Play and Local Sports Director and Anchor at WJBK Fox 2 in Detroit

With over two decades of experience as a broadcaster and sports media professional, Dan Miller brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and insight to the industry. His career spans from covering the biggest stories in sports to being the iconic local voice of Detroit Lions football.

Student Talent Showcase & Tech Hub

Practice being a broadcaster, learn about live sports production, discover new career opportunities, and dive into the world of Augmented Reality. Find and try all these experiences during the Media Career Fair, Student Talent Showcase & Technology Hub immediately following the morning sessions.

Free Headshots

Put your best face forward with a free headshot to supplement your resume and online profiles, sponsored by Midwest Communications, Inc.

Career Fair

Accelerate your media career and connect with Michigan TV and Radio stations during the career fair, sponsored by Michigan Public.

Mobile Weather Experience

Use a green screen to deliver your own weather forecast thanks to the WILX-TV Mobile Weather Experience.

Teleprompter Reads

Record news and sports stories with a teleprompter with Ford Field as a backdrop thanks to WDIV-TV.

CPR Training

Learn & spread the word about hands-only CPR and get trained to help save lives. Participate for a chance to win Jingle Bell tickets, thanks to iHeartMedia.

Production Trailer Tours

Tour Ferris State University's Production Trailer and learn about what it takes to produce live in-game content.

Sports Reporting

Record sports stories and practice sideline reporting with State Champs! Sports Network.

eSports Shoutcasting

Experience streaming in an esports atmosphere while watching your peers compete! Learn how broadcasting skills can help to contribute to a successful shoutcasting career thanks to MiHSEF.

2024 Sessions

Become a Local Legend: How to Carve a Legendary Sports Broadcasting Career

Explore the unique opportunities for sports broadcasters to build legendary careers within their local markets. This session will provide insights into how local sports broadcasters can cultivate deep connections with their communities, develop a distinctive voice, and establish a lasting legacy without national platforms. Learn strategies for maximizing your influence, creating memorable on-air moments, and leveraging local sports culture to make a meaningful impact on your community. Hear from local legends who prove you don’t need to work at a major network to make it big time.

From Audio Files to Airwaves: Transforming a Podcast into a Radio Show

Explore the fascinating process of converting a podcast into a live radio show. Broadcasters looking to expand their audience or podcast enthusiasts curious about the behind-the-scenes work will learn about key steps, recording techniques, workflows, and best practices for distributing podcast content to local radio. You’ll also learn how to ensure your show remains engaging and accessible for both on-demand and live audiences.

Breakthrough in Broadcasting: What Employers Really Want in New Hires & Interns

In today's competitive media landscape, landing a job or an internship in broadcasting requires more than just a polished resume and reel. What exactly are broadcasters looking for when they make hiring decisions? Learn from hiring executives about the key qualities, skills, and experiences that can set candidates apart to land the job or the internship.

How the Media is Using Social Media

Explore the dynamic relationship between broadcast radio and social media platforms, examining how news & entertainment organizations are leveraging social networks to reach broader audiences, engage with viewers, and shape public discourse. We'll delve into strategies used by media companies to harness the power of social media for content distribution, audience interaction, and brand building. Gain insights into the evolving landscape of journalism and the ethical considerations that arise in the intersection of media and social media.

Maximizing Creativity: Leveraging Creative Software for Broadcasters

Creativity is key to engaging audiences on all platforms and standing out from the competition. Learn the skills to effectively harness the power of the wide ranging creative software that’s available - From Adobe’s creative suite to free apps and lesser known creative tools, this workshop will teach you to integrate creative software into your workflow to create compelling visuals, dynamic graphics, and polished audio. Whether you're working on news segments, documentaries, or live events, this session will provide actionable insights, tips, and techniques to elevate your content production and storytelling.

On-Air and On-Screen Writing: Earn the Click Without the Bait

In today's fast-paced news environment, the art of writing compelling stories that resonate both on-air and online is more crucial than ever. This session will offer techniques for crafting broadcast news stories that capture the audience's attention without resorting to clickbait tactics. Participants will learn how to write headlines, leads, and content that are engaging and accurate, ensuring credibility while maximizing reach. We'll explore the nuances of writing for different platforms, balancing immediacy with depth, and maintaining journalistic integrity across mediums. Whether you're a seasoned writer or new to the field, this session will equip you with the tools to earn your audience's trust and clicks, the right way.

Thank You Sponsors

Presenting Sponsors

Marquee Sponsors

General Sponsors

Media Education Sponsors

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Media Disclaimer for Events

The Michigan Association of Broadcasters (MAB) reserves the right to use any photograph/video taken at any event sponsored by MAB or the MAB Foundation, without the expressed written permission of those included within the photograph/video. MAB may use the photograph/video in publications or other media material produced, including but not limited to: brochures, invitations, books, newspapers, magazines, television, websites, social media, etc.

A person attending an MAB event who does not wish to have their image recorded for distribution should make their wishes known to the event organizers, and/or contact MAB at 222 N. Chestnut St., Lansing MI 48933, in writing of their intentions and identify the photograph in question.

By participating in an MAB event or by failing to notify MAB, in writing, your desire to not have your photograph used by MAB, you are agreeing to release, defend, hold harmless and indemnify MAB from any and all claims involving the use of your picture or likeness.

Any person or organization not affiliated with MAB may not use, copy, alter or modify MAB photographs, graphics, videography or other, similar reproductions or recordings without the advance written permission of an authorized designee from MAB.