A Conversation With Bill Spaulding

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Bill Spaulding, a graduate of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications with a Bachelor of Science in Broadcast and Digital Journalism in ’13, returned to Syracuse to share his journey as a versatile play-by-play broadcaster.

On September 5th at 4p.m., Spaulding shared his insight and experience working with NBC Olympics, ESPN, The New Jersey Devils on MSG, USA Track & Field, Boston College, Harvard University and Northeastern University. Having a collection of experiences, Spaulding admitted that to get to where he is in his career now, required a focus on being versatile and possessing a well-rounded knowledge in multiple sports.

Since his first Olympic assignment in 2016 at age 24, Spaulding has covered an impressive span of sports for NBC, including judo, fencing, competitive swimming, track and field, ski jumping and many more. Spaulding’s first covered Olympic event, Judo, started as a crash course. “I knew very little and ended up watching tons of YouTube videos to learn the rules,” Spaulding said, explaining how adaptability became his competitive edge in the industry. “There are a lot less people trying to call fencing or judo… You want to be someone with the reputation of saying yes.”

Spaulding touched on the key differences between working for a team and national broadcast. He described the differences as a team allows for a closer connection with fans and players, whereas a national broadcast demands bridging the gaps for the casual viewers. To work for a national broadcast like NBC, is understanding that the audience is not filled with team ‘sports nerds.’ There is a different story to be told for a national broadcast. Spaulding says, “At the end of the day your job is to tell the story of the who, what, when and where. A sports analyst answers the why.”

Spaulding’s advice to students was clear. Do extensive research, overprepare for games, say yes often, and build meaningful connections within the industry. “Don’t just diversify what you call but in who you connect with.”