Nemont’s Live Broadcasts Provide Thrills
Game Broadcasts
Brent Somppi had an experience in sports broadcasting prior to becoming the voice on Nemont. TV, but nothing can beat what he’s helped accomplished during the last 14 years. He was able to move back to his native northeastern Montana while also video broadcasting high school activities.
“I would have never thought that it was possible when I graduated from high school,” Somppi said of the live streaming opportunity at Nemont.
His prior roles included serving as a sports anchor in Minot, N.D., and as a sports reporter in Helena.
He explained Nemont started discussing the idea of possibly live streaming or having public access for the local cable system about 16 years ago. A couple of years later, the idea of streaming sporting events began to take shape.
From the start, Nemont.TV broadcasted a good selection of games from schools throughout the area.
“We try to balance it so each team is on at least once,” Somppi said. “It’s always a juggling thing. We do our best.”
Because of the recent remarkable success of Scobey’s athletes, the Spartans have probably been viewed more than other programs. Part of that reason is that Scobey has a good amount of key contests featuring teams near the top of the league standings.
Somppi said his farthest trips have probably been to Hinsdale and Bainville. He added that he doesn’t have a favorite sport to broadcast.
“Football, basketball and volleyball are all equally challenging in their own way,” he explained. “What drives these communities is their love of high school sports.”
For some reason, his longest days usually occur when he covers basketball games in Glasgow during the middle of winter.
“It seems that’s when the weather decides to change,” Somppi laughed. “On those nights, I usually get home around midnight. Sometimes, it’s a 10-12 hour day, but it’s still fun.”
His love for the game can be seen in Nemont.TV’s outstanding coverage. When the broadcasts started their run, Nemont used a two-man crew. Now, Somppi is a “one-man show” as technology allows him to run the camera remotely while also providing his spot-on announcing.
“I think it works out well,” he said. Although he admits that he wishes he had additional hands when a technical issues occur.
Somppi is always thinking on ways to improve the broadcasts such as when an instant replay machine was added. He mentions looking for a method to add a line on football broadcasts so viewers can tell where first down markers are located.
This year’s broadcast schedule is still being worked on as Somppi tries to contact various athletic directors. One challenge is that sometimes football games are rescheduled due to a shortage of referees. This fall’s first football broadcast is set to feature MonDak at Plentywood on Aug. 28. The volleyball match on Sept. 1 between Brockton and Culbertson is also being planned.
His dedication has resulted in many positive comments both on Facebook and in-person about the great job that Nemont.TV provides area sports fans. “It definitely humbles me,” Somppi said. Those comments are especially satisfying after a difficult day. “It makes you feel really good about it.”
