http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRJmHrsZ2cY
America lost one of their greatest sports broadcasters of all time last week. Keith Jackson spent 40 years with ABC television before retiring in 2006. The voice of Jackson allowed him to cross over into a plethora of events from the Wide World of Sports, Major League Baseball, College Football, Monday Night Football, Nascar and the Olympics. In one of his final interviews, Jackson revealed the secret to his longevity: amplify, clarify and don’t intrude.
For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome, 1 John 5:3.
The first two words of advice go hand in hand. Amplify refers to developing, elaborating upon and fleshing out what you are watching for the average fan. The latter, clarify, is the act of clearing up any confusion, filtering out what’s really happening so that the televised game can be enjoyed in it’s purest form. At the end of his career, Keith Jackson focused on college football, broadcasting PAC 10 on the west coast where he lived. Catch phrases like Whoa Nellie will be forever tied to Keith’s voice.
And to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, 1 Thessalonians 4:11.
One of the things I notice today is that modern commentators, journalists and media pundits do the opposite of Jackson. Instead of avoiding intrusion, ideas of fame and fortune have inspired self seeking individuals to become a part of the story rather than just report it. These impure motives are ruining entertainment as celebrities, the elite and hosts now feel like anyone needs to hear their opinions and political beliefs. If these trends advance, ratings will continue to plummet. Perhaps, it’s time to listen to an expert, a legend who lived by 3 simple mottos: amplify, clarify and don’t intrude.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 