Commentator - Definition and Overview

A commentator is an individual who comments on sports, politics, current events, or public issues; synonyms include pundit. Commentation may be presented on television, accompanied by relevant images, or on radio. The technique involved is different between the two media, with radio broadcasters needing to be more descriptive because of the absence of pictures.

Sports commentators usual broadcast live during the sporting events that they are describing and have to be careful to avoid gaffes. Famous examples include:

• "'For those of you watching in black and white, the blue is behind the pink" – snooker commentator Ted Lowe
• "If history repeats itself, I should think we can expect the same thing again." Football manager Terry Venables
• "One of the reasons Arnold Palmer is playing so well is that, before each tee shot, his wife takes out his balls and kisses them.... Oh my God, what have I just said?" – USTV golf commentator Sandi

Some famous commentators include:

• Yogi Berra
• Howard Cosell
• Paul Harvey
• Rush Limbaugh
• John Madden
• Michael Savage
• Murray Walker