Shold Media Group
Lindsay McCormick is a sports broadcaster whose career has taken her from hosting the live events for Super Bowl XLIX to guest corresponding for Showtime at the most anticipated fight of the decade – Mayweather vs Pacquiao. She hosted the Maxim Super Bowl Party in San Francisco in 2016, was a sideline reporter for the quarterfinals of ESPN’s The Basketball Tournament, and in 2013 hit the road with NBC’s “Sunday Night Football” as their Social Host.
Taylor Shold: Tell us a little about yourself, who are you and what do you do?
Lindsay McCormick: I used to laugh when people would have many slashes between their professions or job titles. Now I am one of them. [Laughs.] I’m a sports broadcaster / television host / journalist who also happens to act in films. I started at the lucky age of 20 when I happened to be working the Auburn vs LSU game next to ESPN GameDay producers. I jokingly asked them if they had any job openings. Now fast forward 9 years and I’ve worked for ESPN, NBC’s Sunday Night Football, Showtime, CBS’ NFL Draft coverage and just appeared in The Bounce Back movie in theaters nationwide. Taylor: How has networking helped you in your career?
Lindsay: Who you know is everything. Especially in Los Angeles. But for me it’s more than that. My connections and relationships have always been very genuine, because at the end of the day we are all here with the same goal, “To help and influence people through media and art.” The friends and colleagues I have, I’ve known for years. They’ve made me the woman I am today, and I’ve had the luxury to be a part of their work team along the way.
Taylor: How can someone really stand out when applying for on-air jobs?
Lindsay: By being authentic and true to yourself. When I first started out in this industry, I tried to mimic the women I saw on television and had this crazy idea of what a broadcaster should look and sound like. It wasn’t until I almost lost a job that I stopped caring about meeting this perfect stereotype and just had fun with it. Your audience is very intelligent. They can tell fake from authentic.
Taylor: In your opinion, what makes a really great on-air person?
Lindsay: Anyone who has built and maintained credibility in their field and isn’t afraid to be true to themselves.
Taylor: How important is it these days to maintain a strong social media presence to enhance your personal brand if you’re looking to be an on-air figure.
Lindsay: Building a brand for yourself can bring you endless opportunities from product endorsements to television work. I know several network executives who have hired talent because of their Instagram following alone. They now ask agents social media numbers before booking a client. The film industry isn’t quite the same, but in terms of television everything is moving to the Internet, smart TVs and mobile devices anyway. What better way to attract viewers to your program than by taking a brand or personality that’s already “insta famous” and putting them on your program? You bring in new viewers instantly.
Taylor: Who do you look up to most in this industry?
Lindsay: This one is tough because I have so many women in this industry that I admire and respect, but two in particular come to mind. Suzy Kolber is the definition of a class act and professional. She’s built her credibility over years and is still one of the best females in the broadcast world. Even Joe Namath’s antics couldn’t knock her off her game. And secondly, Olivia Munn. Not many people know that she started out as a sideline reporter for college football and women’s basketball. The brand she has built for herself and how she branched off from sideline reporting to host “Attack of the Show” and even act is impressive. What can’t this chick do?! But the thing I respect most about her is she’s never afraid to try something new while always being true to her personality.
Taylor: What’s you best piece of advice for someone wanting to make it on-air in broadcasting
Lindsay: Always keep in mind that this industry is extremely subjective. Just because one executive producer doesn’t want to hire you or doesn’t like your style of hosting, doesn’t mean 15 others won’t. Never let one “No” discourage you from continuing to pursue your dreams.