Meet the 2020 Award Winners: Mississippi Sportscaster Matt Wyatt

This award spotlight is on NSMA 2020 Mississippi Sportscaster of the Year, Matt Wyatt, a first-time NSMA winner. Matt is currently the host of "The Matt Wyatt Show" on The Zone 105.9. Matt was a former Division I Quarterback at Mississippi State who led the Bulldogs to the SEC Championship Game during the 1998-1999 season.

Matt Wyatt was interviewed by NSMA intern Sahil Dhawan on his career and the industry as a whole.

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

Matt: I didn't have a clear path. After graduating from college with a degree in Sports Communication, I knew I wanted to write and do photography for freelance. Played a year of football in Germany and returned to Mississippi and did a little bit of everything at a local station in North Mississippi. Eventually become an on air sports anchor and eventually transitioned to radio. I also did color commentary for Mississippi State.

NSMA: How does it feel to cover your alma mater?

Matt: It's amazing. There is a sense of familiarity with it all. I feel as if I am coaching vicariously through my color commentary. As an analyst, I feel as if I am doing what I would be doing if I was just watching the game from home. It feels more like a privilege than work.

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

Matt: Oh man, I can probably make a top 10 list of things. But more than anything, be true to yourself. Don't allow yourself to get in a mode where the things you are producing or saying is geared to what's going to be popular. Also, put as much as you can into your work. Be consistent. Have a "whatever it takes" approach.

You may watch the entire interview here:

Written by NSMA Intern, Sahil Dhawan