GO! & Express caught up with Hudson Park High School pupil and Eagle Sports Media member Jordan Dorning about his broadcasting success, including being involved in the 2022 SA Junior Surfing Championships in Jeffreys Bay.
How and when did you get involved in broadcasting?
Back in late 2020 and early 2021, after the regulations of Covid had slowly settled down and everyone returned to school, my current boss [Lyle Hansen] and former head of the sports department at my primary school [Hudson Park Primary] had the idea of broadcasting school sports live.
That’s when it really started becoming interesting to me but before that I had always had an interest in computer technology and YouTube and would make my own home videos on a regular basis, edit them myself and post some of my content.
What were some of last year’s highlights for you?
My favourite moment has to have been when I got to fly down to work just outside of Cape Town in a small but wonderful town called Hermanus, where we streamed the [IBC World Tour] which is an annual bodyboarding event and was the very first IBC World Tour to reach African soil. I met lots of amazing people and the experience was incredible.
What were some of the challenges you faced?
There are always challenges when it comes to broadcasting and production, every time we do a live coverage of an event, inevitably something will not go according to plan, we have to adapt quickly and make the best of the situation.
I remember when we were doing the IBC world tour event … I was manning one of the wireless cameras across the river from Onrus Beach in Hermanus and as I turned my back to the ocean and without me even seeing it, a massive wave came behind me and pushed me straight into the river.
All the very expensive camera gear including a walkie-talkie went with me … luckily I saved the camera by holding it above the water.
People rushed to come assist but unfortunately the walkie-talkie had gotten full of water as it was in my pocket.
As soon as I got helped out of the water I had to do an interview with someone and due to my walkie-talkie not working any more communications with my director was a challenge.
These little setbacks just make you stronger and push you to think on your feet.
What advice do you have for other young people wanting to get involved in broadcasting?
To be honest, I went there that week not even knowing I would be doing the interviews for the SA surfing champs. Lyle asked me to assist and I accepted the challenge. I ended up interviewing so many different people that week.
My advice would be to not be afraid to try something you have never done before, to say yes when opportunities come your way and give it your best shot. Start by shadowing someone in the production industry. It’s many long hours and early mornings but there are so many doors that can open.
What’s in store for this year?
We have a lot planned. I’m hoping to do the IBC world tour and SA surfing champs again.
Eagle Sports Media will be involved with local sports events as much as we can. Mr Hansen is continually mentoring me and I still have so much to learn. I’m hoping to improve my skills and be given more responsibility behind the camera.
