International Q&A: Sports broadcaster and graduate Joel on career, cricket...and coming to Sunderland

Published on 5, August, 2024

Name: Joel Manning 

Job: Television Presenter / Sports Broadcaster

Qualification from the University of Sunderland (including year of study): MA Sports Journalism (2019/2020)

Age: 31

Country of current residence: Barbados 

Social media handle - @joelmpm

Tell us a little bit about your job/career and what it involves day to day

I can truly say the day to day of my career can look quite different depending on the assignment that I’m on. (But I absolutely love  that many days aren’t the same) Most of my time is spent on cricket, traveling as the digital presenter for the West Indies team and commentating cricket. When not on assignment for cricket I’m involved in commentating other sporting activities at home in Barbados or interviewing persons for various brands and shows. 

To give an example of what an assignment could look like for me when I’m on tour with the West Indies team. I spend the beginning phase of the tour researching statistics, stories and interesting facts on players and the countries that the cricket will be played in.

A typical match day will start with me doing a pre match interview with a player or spectator, then I’m off to do the digital match preview which takes a look at the predictions for the game and players or stats to look out for. 

I get a bit of a break after and then I head onto the field to do the in stadium welcome where I engage the crowd and get a feel for their predictions and inform them of any activities they could look out for. From there I spend my time interacting with spectators for various digital / social media videos.

On off days I’m usually paired up with the tv broadcast team to explore the country that we are in and record features that will air on television during the matches. 

What is the best thing about your job and what is the worst thing?

The best thing about my job is the ability to meet new and interesting persons on every assignment.

 I’d say the worst is living out of a suitcase for extended periods of time. 

What has been the highlight of your career - so far?

The highlight of my career so far has been working alongside Ian Bishop during West Indies series. Match days start with a digital preview show where Ian Bishop and I go back and forth with a little banter included. Truly, being able to weave my personality into our digital show and catch him off guard with my questions on occasion brings me great joy.

Do you think your time at the University of Sunderland helped you move into your chosen career?

Most definitely, my time at the University of Sunderland opened my eyes to a number of opportunities that exist in the sports broadcast market. It also provided the chance for me to interact with numerous industry experts and have an opportunity to hone my craft in a very practical way. 

Why did you choose to study at the University?

Truthfully before coming in 2019 I didn’t know of the University of Sunderland. An opportunity arose for me in 2019 to pursue a masters in sports journalism and it was then my research into the best possible option for me in the UK began.

I was able to narrow it down based on the course outlines and possible opportunities to secure a job or make connections in the industry once I completed my studies and because of what was on offer I chose the university of Sunderland. 

>

What did you enjoy most about your time at the University of Sunderland - and what did you enjoy least?

I can start with the least. I enjoyed the weather the least! But I guess that’s because I come from Barbados, which is 99% sunny and warm. It took quite a bit for me to adjust to the weather. 

What I enjoyed most was the warm welcome and interactions with all my lecturers. I believe my experience was significantly improved because of how involved the lecturers were even before I made the long journey over to Sunderland. 

As an international student, did you find the University/city welcoming?

Yes I did find the university and city welcoming. I can recall a few nice conversations I was able to have as I made my way around on the bus and the metro or walking around the city center doing my shopping. I was also able to enjoy nights out as well. 

What are your hopes for the future in terms of your career?

To travel to all corners of the world interviewing and interacting with persons and be able to tell their stories as best I can on camera. 

Did your University experience change you?

I wouldn’t say the experience changed me but I can say it added to me and made me a more well-rounded individual. I was able to embrace a new culture and experience sights and sounds that I could have never experienced if I didn’t leave my home Barbados. 

Would you consider going back to University in the future?

Going back as a student? The chances are 50/50 on that one. Only because of how things have taken off in my career. 

Going back to visit? Most definitely! I would enjoy heading back onto campus and seeing the lecturers, meeting up with my friends from uni and seeing all the changes that have been made. 

Who are your dream three dinner guests and why?

My first guest would be Sachin Tendulkar because I’ve grown up watching and admiring his cricket career. 

My second guest would be Serena Williams, the impact she's had on the sport of tennis, I know it would be a great opportunity to sit and chat with her.

If I could group them into one I would say Imagine Dragons. I attended one of their shows and it truly was a masterpiece of live music. I'd just want to commend them on the show and maybe chat regarding their journey.