Interview with NBA Broadcast Strategist

Alexander Allen

I recently had the opportunity of interviewing an NBA broadcast strategist by the name of Alexander Allen. I decided to direct message him some questions, of which he consented to being published.

My first question was, “How did you get to the NBA as a broadcast strategist?”

His answer to the first question: “I have a background in the technical side of media. Directing audio, graphics, camera, etc. I also managed production groups at previous organizations. While there, I wanted to pivot into strategy, so I took a 12 week online course at Harvard about Business strategy. I saw this job on LinkedIn and saw it combined my two interests and applied.”

My second question: “What were some of your most interesting experiences as a broadcaster?”

He said, “I’m not a broadcaster. But I’ve had a ton of interesting experiences in broadcast. I worked as a broadcast operator on a TV show years ago. I was a stage manager when one of my favorite rappers, Nas, was a guest. I was able to meet him and I was able to operate the robotic cameras that day.

“Oprah Winfrey was a guest on a show that I worked at years ago. The day she visited, was me and my wife (girlfriend at the time) anniversary and I was able to introduce the two.”

My final question (for this article. Make sure to follow for the rest of the interview) I had was, “When did you first become interested in broadcasting?Was it always a dream of yours to broadcast for the NBA?”

His final answer (so far) read, “I’ve been interested in media since I was in the 6th grade. My dad bought a camcorder and I was hooked. I also grew up a huge sports fan (mostly lakers and ravens). My dreams have evolved over the years, but I can(‘t?) say I’m living my current dream.”