In conversation with Matt Cullen, the multi-talented and multi sport Voice of Sauga960
Matt Cullen has been the voice of the Mississauga Steelheads and the Raptors905 on Sauga960AM but that’s just the beginning.
Praveen Amirtharaj: How did you get your start in broadcasting?
Matt Cullen: I've always loved watching and listening to sports games going back to my childhood, particularly with a passion for play-by-play commentary. I would hide my old Sony Walkman underneath my pillow and listen past my bedtime. Much later when I was in my final year of university, I had the opportunity to call USPORTS hockey and basketball with no previous experience. I was hooked. After a few years of working mostly outside of sports, I decided it was finally time to "go for it" .
PA: What do you think has been the key to your success thus far?
MC: Legendary sports broadcaster Jim Van Horne was one of my first instructors and is a longtime mentor to me. From the beginning, he encouraged me to be as versatile as possible. Say "Yes" as much as you can. I've always kept that in mind and calling multiple sports has become a big part of my skill set.
PA: Who’s play by play style you most emulate ?
MC: No one. I've always strived to find my own voice. I find that every broadcaster has his/her own unique flair and personality. We all have our favourite broadcasters but I think if you try and emulate someone else, you are not being yourself. Most audiences will be able to see and hear that quite easily.
PA: What annoys you the most about broadcasters when you watch a game ?
MC: Overtalking, especially in big moments. On a TV broadcast, I think the pictures and natural sound will almost always be the strongest and most compelling to the viewer. I think it is natural - especially for young broadcasters - to overtalk these big moments. Listening to my old tapes, I know I certainly did...and in a few years, I'll probably still say the same!
PA: Do you prefer announcing on TV or Radio or does it matter ?
MC: Both calls are very different and I enjoy both in their own way. Radio is a much more descriptive call. Choosing concise, efficient wording is key and often the most difficult. TV has different challenges. There isn't pressure to fill every second of the action but most times you have a producer speaking in your ear throughout the game. And while that is going on, you also have to look natural on-camera.
PA: If you had the opportunity to call your dream game, which one would have
it been ?
MC: That's a tough one. I think every broadcaster dreams of calling the big game at the highest level. Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs or the NBA Finals. The Super Bowl, the Grey Cup, the World Series, that Gold-Medal Olympic moment. Maybe the next one will be Canada at the FIFA World Cup!
PA: What is the hardest part of your job ?
MC: The preparation. It takes hours and sometimes days & weeks to be prepared for games and tournaments.
PA: What’s your best advice for the young up and coming broadcasters ?
MC: It all starts with preparation. It sets you up for success. I also think being creative and bringing your own brand & style to your work is key. Unlike in past generations or even in the last few years, there are now so many different ways and platforms for people to see your work.
PA: Do you have a signature call ?
MC: I don't have a signature call - I have played around with a few different ones over the years but covering and calling multiple sports, there hasn't been one that fits...not yet anyways. I think my "trademark" is excitement and energy. Most of the feedback I receive is that my passion comes through with my energetic style.
PA: Which broadcast that you called in recent memory are you most proud of ?
MC: I recently came back from the Canadian Little League Baseball Championship in Calgary with CBC Sports. It's a tournament that means so much to the kids (10-12 years old) and their families. I was mostly solo in the broadcast booth, calling 3-games a day. Telling each team's and player's story in the right way comes with a lot of preparation and challenges. In most cases, it's a once-in-a-lifetime event for the kids to play baseball on TV and I am proud to be a part of it.