Radio broadcaster Mark Boyle shares story, advice with students
By Mark Ambrogi
Indiana Pacers long-time radio play-by-play broadcaster Mark Boyle tries to make the most of his free time in the offseason.
One good use is talking to students of all ages. Boyle shared his story and gave advice during a visit to Noblesville High School on Sept. 16., speaking to the high school’s newspaper and broadcasting staffs.
“I feel people who have been fortunate enough to enjoy a certain status, kids will listen to what they say [and]we should be out there sharing,” Boyle said. “These kids are going to be running the world while I’m still alive, so if I can help them run it…”
NHS teacher and newspaper and broadcasting program advisor Joe Akers was glad to have Boyle speak.
“He says things they need to hear and when they hear it from him it resonates with them more,” Akers said. “They take it more seriously when it comes from someone at the top of his profession.”
Akers said it was important that Boyle told students that hard work is how you separate yourself from everyone else.
“That’s the most important thing we teach them and it verifies what we tell them,” Akers said.
Boyle will soon start his 28th season with the Pacers.
“If you are looking for a career that is going to set you up in a mansion or have you are driving a Bentley,” Boyle said. “It’s probably best to look at something else. Some of these jobs play seven figures, not mine, but some. If you think broadcasting or writing is something you would look forward to getting out of bed every day…and you are not concerned with making a fortune, I would strongly encourage you to give it some thought. It’s different every day and you meet lots of interesting people.”
To sum it up, Boyle said, “Find something you have a passion for and then get someone to pay you do it.”
Boyle encouraged those interested in broadcasting to get take speech classes and get involved with debate and theater programs.
“It’s hard for me to tell if they are getting the message or not, some classes are more engaged than others,” Boyle said. “Even if they are not engaged doesn’t mean they don’t hear you.”
