FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – The 2015 Broward College Speaker Series presented by Hoffman’s Chocolates wrapped up on Wednesday, May 20th, with amazing tales of the early days at ESPN and how the company started out and grew to what it is today in his presentation entitled, “Thirty Years at ESPN: How a Startup Run-Out-of-a-Trailer Became the Biggest Media Behemoth on the Planet”. Berman shared tales of his early days at ESPN when he would cover Professional Men’s Slow-Pitch Softball and Darts to moments that defined his career such as commentating during the game where Cal Ripken broke Lou Gehrig’s record for most consecutive games played, or gaining the approval of Miami Dolphin’s Hall of Fame Head Coach, Don Shula.
Jarett Levan, President of BBX Capital and Chris Berman, longtime host of ESPN’s NFL coverage and Sportscenter Anchor
“Sports are one of the last platforms we have that is a true melting pot,” Chris Berman said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re black or white, old or young, male or female, rich or poor; we can have the same discussion about the outcome of a game no matter who you are. Sports are an equalizer.”
Following the presentation, Berman answered questions from the audience. When asked about what advice Berman would give to a young reporter in the sports field, Berman offered that you should never give up. Reporters shouldn’t report for the money, they should do it because it’s what they love to do. He advises that when you’re first starting out, you should report on whatever you can and create an experience for those viewing at home because you never know who is watching and what big break could come next.
Before the presentation ended, Chris Berman emphasized the impact that sports have on people’s lives. He shared lessons he has learned in his 35 years with ESPN such as how to win with grace, work as a team player, persistence and dedication. Berman claims that even after all this time, he wakes up at 6 a.m. with a smile on his face, ready to go to work every day.
Chris Berman was the last of five distinguished speakers to share their life-changing experiences, insights, points of view and behind-the-scenes stories on some of the most current topics of the day as part of the 2015 Broward College Speaker Series presented by Hoffman’s Chocolates.
Sponsors for the Broward College Speaker Series include Hoffman’s Chocolates; Sun-Sentinel; City & Shore Magazine; WLRN Radio; The Atlantic Hotel & Spa and Stearns, Weaver, Miller, Weissler, Alhadeff & Sitterson.
About Broward College
Serving more than 68,000 students annually, Broward College provides residents with certificate programs, two-year university-transfer degrees, two-year career degrees and baccalaureate degrees in selected programs. The mission of the college is to provide high-quality educational programs and services that are affordable and accessible to a diverse community of learners. For more information, visit www.broward.edu.
