July 23, 2007
Orlando, Fla. (www.ucfathletics.com) - Besides fine-tuning his passing skills during voluntary workouts this summer, UCF quarterback Kyle Israel was also busy learning about the intricacies of the world of radio broadcasting. Israel spent several weeks of his summer interning for the Finish Line show on 740AM - The Team.
An interpersonal organizational communication major, Israel spent most of his time just observing how producer Mike Tuck and hosts Jerry O'Neill and the Shot Doctor conducted their business during the show. Besides getting a bird's eye view of the show from the production room, Isreal was also able to screen some of the calls coming in from listeners in Central Florida and he also had the chance to edit some sound bites.
Israel came away impressed and learned a lot about the business during his stint at the station.
"Just like anything else, if you want to be a good broadcaster, there is a lot of preparation that must go into it," Israel said. "I also didn't realize how many people actually tune in and listen to sports talk shows. There is a huge part of the population here in Orlando that listens to those shows."
Even though he enjoyed his experience with the radio broadcasts, Israel sees himself pursuing a career on the television side of broadcasting when his playing days are over at UCF. The University High graduate still did not rule out any ventures in the radio field if his career ends up in the sports media world.
"I think it would be cool to have a show like once a week or be able to sit in on a show and talk periodically," Israel added. "I really enjoyed my time there and watching those guys put together a show."
With his internship over for the most part, Israel's focus has now returned to the gridiron and the upcoming 2007 football season. The senior earned four starts a year ago and led the team in passing with 1,680 yards. The Knights and Israel will open fall camp on Aug. 2 with their sites set on the season-opener with NC State on Sept. 1.
UCF returns home following the match-up with the Wolfpack and will have an extra week to prepare for their much-anticipated debut at Bright House Networks Stadium on Sept. 15 vs. Texas.
For the latest news and information on the Knights, tickets or apparel log on to www.ucfathletics.com - the official site for UCF athletics.
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