Q: Keith, we know that you’ve been a producer at TNT Sports (formerly WBD Sports) for 10+ years. What does your role entail and how has your role evolved over the years?

A: As the producer, I’m responsible for researching, developing, and executing a content plan for our live sports shows. As part of that plan, I work closely with a variety of departments within the sports organizations including Sales, Marketing, Talent Services, and Tech Ops to make sure everything needed in pre-production is in place and ready for air. Once the show is live on-air, the core production crew of the Producer, Director and Associate Director work in tandem to make sure everything that hits the screen is accurate, relevant, informative and entertaining.

One way the job has evolved is having to find new ways to service the consumer wanting a traditional broadcast while also giving an alternative experience as an option. We’ve done a few “ALT-CAST” for some of our tentpole events such as the NBA All Star Game where fans at home could watch the game with commentary from the Inside the NBA crew, Ernie, Charles, Kenny and Shaq. Those types of “ALT-CAST” are happening all over throughout the industry and adds another level to how we reach our fans.

Q: What has your experience been like preparing for the NBA All-Star Game? How do you show up for your team as a producer when working on a project like this?

A: As you can imagine, planning our coverage of NBA All-Star Weekend is months in the making. We work with the NBA on a variety of elements to help enhance our broadcasts for not only TNT but Bleacher Report as well. It’s important for me to show up for our company for all broadcasts but especially one as important as ASW where we’ll have 4 consecutive days of coverage. That’s why I try to stay in front and plan as best I can to give our group ample time get any prep done needed for the broadcasts. I remember watching All-Star Weekend as a kid, so it’s truly an honor to be involved in it year after year.

Q: What are some ways you’ve been able to encourage or support building community amongst sports industry professionals like yourself in and/ or outside of work?

A: I’m a big proponent of reaching back and bring up young professionals behind me, giving my time, advice, critique, or anything they need to help advance their careers. National Association of Black Journalists has been a great resource for me, and I encourage all college and young professionals to get active within their local chapters and attend national conventions. The networking and opportunities that come from them are priceless.

Q: As we celebrate Black History, what advice do you have for up-and-coming Black sports professionals and enthusiasts hoping to produce iconic moments in sports history like you one day?

A: If there’s one piece of advice I have for up-and-coming Black sports professionals, is to never be afraid to speak up. If there’s a story that needs to be told, speak up. If the way a story is being told makes you uncomfortable, speak up. If there’s a job or opportunity or even a promotion that you’re qualified for, speak up. When I look back at my career, the situations I regret the most are the ones where I kept quiet, scared of what speaking up would to.

Q: As we look back at Black history this month, do you have a favorite iconic/historical moment featuring a black athlete?

A: There are so many iconic sports moments from African American athletes that I’m proud of. A few that come to mind are Tiger Woods winning the Masters at the age of 21, Serena Williams dominating the world of tennis, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James passing the torch to one another in growing the game of basketball and the collective efforts of WNBA players always being fearless bringing awareness to gender pay equity, racism, policing and LGBTQIA, voting and reproductive rights.

But the one that stands out to me the most is Colin Kaepernick and his protest of police brutality and racial inequality before NFL games. Because of Kaep, I think we’ve seen athletes of all sports become more vocal on social issues. They have become More Than an Athlete.