“YOU WILL LEARN SOME GREAT TIPS FROM AN AMAZING HOST!!” — KATIE AUSTIN

Foreword: It All Starts With a Dream (And a Whole Lot of Drive)

Picture this: It’s 8 p.m. in Los Angeles at the Oscars Ceremony. Hollywood’s biggest night is in full swing, as the red carpet outside the Dolby Theatre fills with star arrivals. Even some of the media reps holding mics on the carpet are household names. An NFL player interviews J. Lo. Giuliana Rancic listens eagerly as Lady Gaga gushes about her work in A Star is Born. And hey, isn’t that Miss America over there chatting up Regina King? 

In moments like these, I have to stop and shake my head and marvel: How did I get here? I’m not an NFL pro or a fashion designer – and I’m certainly no Miss America. I’m a regular guy who loves to talk and loves show biz – especially country music. 

I’m Sam Alex, creator, host and executive producer of The Sam Alex Show, a nationally syndicated radio show. On weekday evenings, my team and I bring the best country music Nashville has to offer to radio stations all across the country. I also get to do red carpet work: I’m the guy behind the mic talking to stars before the Academy of Country Music Awards (ACMs), the Country Music Association Awards (CMAs), the Oscars and the Grammys. I get to ask the questions – and everyone watching at home gets to enjoy the responses. 

So, how did I get here? When I was just starting to get my feet wet in the world of broadcasting, I had doubts and uncertainty about the future. I had so many questions about work and life – questions I wished someone could answer. 

That’s why I started Camp Broadcast, my virtual camp for aspiring broadcasters of all ages – and that’s why I wrote this book. I want to share everything I’ve learned with the next generation of on-air personalities. I want to mentor future news reporters, podcasters, sports play-by-play announcers and TV, radio and podcast hosts. Most importantly, I want to share the things I wish I’d known when I was just starting out. 

To achieve my goals for Camp Broadcast, I brought together 20 of the most inspiring guest instructors I could find. From the world of sports, we had everyone from Olympic gold medalist and overall legend Scott Hamilton to ESPN play-by-play announcer Jordan Bernfield. We were also joined by seasoned radio hosts like Monica Brooks and Betsy Spina as well as TV personalities like Audra Lowe and Cassie DiLaura. Every last one of them is a big dreamer – and they’ve all made their big dreams come true.

To give future broadcasters a taste of what it’s really like to be on a red carpet, I asked celebs like NFL pro Donovan McNabb, country singer Cole Swindell and Real Housewives star D’Andra Simmons to give interviews during Camp Broadcast. 

Not only did the campers get to self-record the interviews to add material to their reels, but they also got a rare opportunity that I wish I’d had at the beginning of my career: They received feedback and advice from the stars to help sharpen their interviewing skills. 

As much fun as it was hearing from these experts and stars, the best part of Camp Broadcast – by far – was getting to know the campers. When Camp ended, I realized we’d created a tribe: A community of like-minded go-getters who would continue to collaborate in the future. Since then, I’ve kept in touch with them and even been able to appear as a special guest on their own podcasts and shows. I know they’ll return the favor and keep helping each other in the future. 

I realize that it may not be possible for everyone to participate in a live session of Camp Broadcast, which is why I wrote this book. If you are ready to follow your passion to a great career in broadcasting, but you’re not sure where to start, this book is for you. 

Here are the eight steps that led me to the rewarding career I have today. I hope you’ll walk away from this book inspired, energized and ready to realize your own goals as a future broadcaster. I have no doubt that you have the potential. Who knows? Maybe someday I’ll see you on the red carpet! 

@ 2020 Sam Alex

What Industry Leaders Are Saying  

"Get On The Air is a perfect blend of advice, humor and humility to showcase the hard work and dedication needed to be successful in this industry." 

— Ben Heisler, Sports Illustrated  

“Sam Alex pours all of his experiences, hard-won lessons, and larger-than-life personality into this useful and appealing guide. All aspiring broadcasters should be thankful that he has a huge passion not only for his profession but also for helping others on their climb.”  

— Nancy Kruh, People Magazine Correspondent

“To rise through the ranks of the industry takes determination, enthusiasm and strategy. Learn from a guy who exemplifies those traits.”

— Ty Bentli, Apple Music

“Sam is a very engaging, entertaining & intelligent host who cares deeply about sharing his expertise & connections to help set aspiring journalists up for success.” 

— Cassie DiLaura, Entertainment Tonight

“Sam is pro, whose curiosity drives his preparation. He knows how to ask the best questions, and deliver interesting interviews to his audience.” 

— Cody Alan, CMT 

"Get On The Air provides incredible insight and invaluable information to anyone looking to work in broadcasting! With kindness and heart, Sam Alex shares fun stories, and a step by step guide to making it in this exciting industry. Get On The Air will leave you feeling encouraged and inspired! I wish this book had been around when I was starting out!"

— Betsy Spina, Radio Disney