Alumnus Aaron Cooney, Broadcaster and Digital Content Producer for the San Diego Gulls, Makes NHL Broadcasting Debut Calling Ducks' Game Versus Penguins Alumni Profile

How did Point Park University’s broadcasting program prepare you for your career?

At Point Park, School of Communication broadcasting students get in front of the camera and behind a mic their first year. You don't have to wait until you are a junior or a senior to begin working on your craft.

I had roles on U-View's Pioneer Sideline (think Point Park's version of ESPN's SportsCenter) and did color commentary on WPPJ radio for the men's basketball team. Eventually, I hosted and produced the show senior year as U-View's sports director and did play-by-play for the women's basketball team and the baseball and softball teams.

Plus, I was fortunate to land internships with 93.7 The Fan and the Pittsburgh Penguins Radio Network. Point Park provides you with the tools to hone the skills needed to pursue your dream job.

Highlight your career path.

My career started as the director of broadcasting and media relations for the Erie Otters Hockey Club (Ontario Hockey League). There, I served as their play-by-play broadcaster while managing public relations and social media, and learned skills in marketing, partnership sales and graphic design.

That led to my first stint with the San Diego Gulls in 2021 as the director of broadcasting and PR. I gave up broadcasting to serve on their executive committee, overseeing radio and TV broadcast contracts and managing public and internal communication.

Next, I spent one season in the NHL with the LA Kings as the manager of hockey communications, writing hockey-related press releases, and managing and executing media requests for the team, among other duties.

Following that, I returned to the Gulls as a broadcaster and digital content producer (my current position) to continue to pursue hockey play-by-play broadcasting.

What are your key responsibilities in your current role?

I serve as the play-by-play announcer for all home and away games on our dedicated iHeartMedia station, Gulls Audio Network, where I also produce content during the season.

I also host and produce a 30-minute magazine-style TV program, "Gulls All Access," that airs on local TV channels throughout the season.

Watch: "Gulls All Access" 

I also shoot and edit digital content for social media, bringing fans closer to the team with behind-the-scenes access or updates from the rink, whether that's games, practices or other camps the Anaheim Ducks or Gulls may host.

You recently made your NHL broadcasting debut calling the Anaheim Ducks' game versus the Pittsburgh Penguins. Tell us about that opportunity.

This opportunity was a dream come true, and for it to become a reality against my hometown team — one I interned with to begin my broadcasting career in hockey — was a full-circle moment.

That day was a normal practice day for the Gulls. I was editing interviews and B-roll when the Ducks called to say that their radio play-by-play broadcaster was sick, and they may need me to fill in. About 20 minutes later, they confirmed they needed me. I had to drop everything I was doing in San Diego, get home quickly to grab a suit, and begin the two-hour drive (with heavy traffic) to the Honda Center in Anaheim.

I arrived a few hours before the game to prep. Once the puck dropped, things flowed like any other broadcast. It was a day I will never forget.

 

Why is it an exciting time for students to pursue a career in broadcasting or sports communication?

I think you're seeing significant growth in sports media around the country. Content is king and every team/league/sport is finding new, creative ways to deliver that to fans and consumers.

It seems like every sport/league is finding a way to stream their games for live coverage. Teams are creating their own storytelling and delivering that content to fans daily on their devices. There are more ways than ever to engage with fan bases, and sports broadcasters/content producers (especially at the minor league level) are at the forefront of this creative wave to deliver media into the people's hands.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

For students, now is the time to get reps in, learn what you enjoy doing, and, more importantly, what you don't enjoy doing. Try everything at your disposal: create that blog, write a story or column for The Globe, start that podcast, hop behind a mic at WPPJ, try on-camera classes and join the current shows being produced at the television station. The tools and path to your dream job are all right there in your grasp at Point Park. If you don't do it, someone else will.

Connect with Aaron Cooney '12

More About: WPPJ, School of Communication Alumni, broadcast reporting, U-View, success story, Bethel Park Senior High School, School of Communication, transfer, sports communication, Center for Sports Media and Marketing, Pittsburgh Penguins, alumni