ABC7 Chicago Junior Sportscaster Contest

5 hours ago7 min read

Alright, sports fans, gather 'round because ABC7 Chicago just wrapped up its Junior Sportscaster Contest, and let me tell you, the energy was off the charts—like the final two minutes of a Bulls-Celtics Game 7. This wasn't just some cute kid's activity; this was a legit scouting combine for the next generation of microphone maestros.We're talking about aspiring sports anchors, ages 5 to 12, stepping up to the plate—or, more accurately, the mic—to deliver play-by-play commentary without the crutch of any actual game footage or background music. It was pure, unadulterated talent on display, a raw test of charisma and knowledge where these young guns had to create the magic entirely from their own vocal cords and infectious enthusiasm.The contest, which ran from October 20th to the 27th, tapped directly into that universal childhood dream of being the voice narrating the iconic moments, and the response was phenomenal. After the initial submission period, the judges at ABC7, acting like a front office evaluating draft prospects, narrowed down the field to ten elite finalists.Then, in a move that would make any league MVP vote look simple, they handed the power directly to the people. Over 3,500 viewers logged on during the week of November 10th to cast their ballots, creating a digital arena where public opinion crowned the champion.The winner? A 12-year-old from Chicago simply named West, who now has the kind of opportunity most sports media veterans spend decades chasing: a chance to record a real sportscast in the studio with ABC7's own sports anchor, Ryan Chiaverini. Imagine that—going from practicing in your living room to sharing the screen with a pro, your voice echoing through living rooms across Chicago.It’s a storyline straight out of a movie. The judging criteria were no joke, either, broken down into a serious scorecard: Expression/Charisma, Entertainment Value, Creativity/Originality, and Accurate Play-by-Play Commentary, each worth 25%.This was about more than just a loud voice; it was about finding a kid who could tell a story, build suspense, and connect with an audience—the fundamental skills that separate a good commentator from a legendary one like a Marv Albert or a Doris Burke. The rules were tight, ensuring a level playing field.Entrants had to be residents of specific counties in Illinois, Indiana, or Wisconsin, and the submissions, which were between 60 and 90 seconds, had to be original content. By entering, parents granted ABC7 non-exclusive rights to use the footage in perpetuity, a standard but significant clause in today's media landscape that highlights the value of user-generated content.While the grand prize is the undeniable highlight, the real win here is the platform itself. In an era where sports media is increasingly dominated by hot takes and debate shows, this contest was a refreshing throwback to the fundamentals of broadcasting.It celebrated the art of narration, the skill of painting a picture with words alone. For the other finalists—Anita, Ari, Brayden, Charlie, Devyn, Drake, Johnny, Kiwi, and Matthew—this was still a massive victory.They got their work featured on a major network's website and on-air, a portfolio piece that’s more valuable than any participation trophy. This initiative by ABC7 Chicago, which now streams 24/7, is a brilliant play.It’s community engagement at its finest, fostering local talent and giving young fans a tangible path into the industry they love. It’s the minor league system for sports media, and who knows? Maybe we just saw the future voice of the NBA Finals or Monday Night Football take their first, confident step into the spotlight.

#featured

#ABC7 Chicago

#Junior Sportscaster Contest

#children

#competition

#Ryan Chiaverini

#local news

#broadcasting

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