Meet the 2019 Award Winners: New Jersey Sportscaster Mike Frankel

Today’s award spotlight is on NSMA 2019 New Jersey Sportscaster of the Year, Mike Frankel. Frankel has been a multimedia journalist with JerseySportsZone.com in Trenton, New Jersey since March of 2019. He was previously a sports director and anchor at the SNJ Today. The Syracuse graduate also did some work with Prime Events. Frankel covered high school sports for multiple years at NBC-40, a part of a duo with Pete Thompson. After NBC-40, the two has a Saturday night show called “The Locker Room,” where they covered high school football highlights.

This will be Frankels very first time winning Sportscaster of the Year from the National Sports Media Association!

Frankel briefly spoke with NSMA on his career and other thoughts regarding the industry.

NSMA: What was your career path like on the way to your current position?

Mike Frankel: I started out as the weekend sports anchor/reporter at WMGM-TV (NBC 40) back in 2007 and worked in the sports department there until the station closed in 2014. I then helped launch SNJ Today in 2015 and stayed on as sports director until the company ceased news operations in 2019. After freelancing for Jersey Sports Zone since 2017, I joined the company full-time in 2019.

NSMA: What is your favorite thing about your job?

MF: The relationships I've been able to build with coaches, administrators, and athletes have been very rewarding. Telling stories and covering sports in the market where I grew up has been a tremendous experience.

NSMA: What has been the biggest highlight of your career so far?

MF: Being on the field and in the locker room after the Phillies won the World Series in 2008 was unforgettable. On the high school level, covering Mike Trout during his days in Millville through his draft night was a special time as well.

NSMA: What is the best piece of advice you have for people pursuing a career in sports media?

MF: If you don't quit, you can't fail. Getting your foot in the door somewhere can ultimately be one of the most humbling experiences of your life. But keep grinding, keep networking, and keep your head up.

Written by NSMA intern, Brian Cohen