BY DONALD HUNT
HAVERFORD, PA--It’s always nice when an athlete can play the game and later use his talents to stay close to the world of sports. Shane Fordham, a former Haverford School football standout, who played his college football for Hampton University is now gaining some major experience as an intern at ESPN in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Fordham currently works as a content producer for the Paul Finebaum Show and SEC Now show. He was able to land this internship by attending the National Association of Black Journalists Convention in Birmingham, Alabama last summer. He interviewed with ESPN at the convention and was really excited for a major sports network.
“That’s powerful,” Fordham said. “I’m able to do what I do at the highest level possible being able to acquire an internship. I’m in Charlotte. Right now. I’m doing studio production work for the Paul Finebaum Show. His show has a lot of callers. He knows how to really interact with all the callers on the show. I’ve learned a lot from him up close and personal. He does interviews too. He even interviewed Biv [Michael Bivins] from the [R&B singing group] and [New Edition] and country singer [Kenny] Chesney on his show.
“It’s definitely important to know what you what you’re doing behind the camera. I’ll be assigned to some college baseball and softball games. Editing one minute and thirty second highlight films, most important plays of the games, interviews and highlights for SEC Now.”
Fordham, a graduate student at Hampton University in Virginia, which is one of the country’s most prestigious Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). He received his undergraduate/bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism from the Scripps Howard School of Journalism & Communications with Magna Cum Laude accolades last year. In addition, he plans to attend law school soon.
During his playing days with the Pirates, he organized his campus sports show “Saber Sports” that focuses on HBCU sports. He received plenty of support from the university and the school’s journalism and communications department. The show with consistent assistance from his friends gives students a chance to pick up some experience in broadcasting and producing.
“I’m the executive producer and co-anchor,” he said. “We cover HBCU sports. We make sure they get good coverage. This is an opportunity that not many students are afforded to get this kind of experience.”
Shane Fordham Haverford School Alum and Hampton University Graduate. (Photo/ Fordham Family)
Fordham (pictured far right) broadcasting from the desk. (Photo/ Hampton University)
Fordham credits Saber Sports and the several internships at the local TV stations in the Hampton Roads, VA area for helping him get to ESPN. His goal is to become a sports broadcaster/reporter, analyst, as well as a producer. Fordham has been inspired by several ESPN sportscasters such as the late Stuart Scott, Stephen A. Smith, Michael Wilbon, Stan Verrett, Kevin Negandhi and sports director Brian Smith at WVEC 13 News in Hampton Roads.
Shane Fordham ESPN Intern. (Photo/ Fordham family)
Of course, Fordham’s biggest inspiration comes from his mother Monique Braxton who was a longtime news anchor and Emmy Award winning reporter for NBC 10. She was inducted into the Broadcast Pioneer Hall of Fame of Philadelphia in 2016. After 20 years of broadcasting news, she is now the Deputy Chief of Communications/Spokesperson for the School District of Philadelphia.
“She’s really inspired me,” Fordham said. “To be able to watch her [on television. I talk to her after my sports show and internship on what I’m doing. I’m lucky to be able to have a journalist at home.”
Fordham has been able to play some good football at Haverford School in the Inter-Ac League as well as four years of college football at Hampton University from the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA). He’s now moving from the playing field to a career in sports journalism.