ESPN producer Howard Chen shares career insights at Syracuse

During a panel hosted by the Newhouse Sports Media Center, Howard Chen, a Syracuse University alumnus and ESPN producer, visited campus Friday to share insights on his journey from student to industry professional.

Chen, originally from Canada and raised in Houston, pursued his dream of sports journalism at Syracuse. While at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, he hosted sports talk shows on both WAER and Z89, delivered sports updates, and contributed to game broadcast coverage for SU sports on WAER. After graduation, he embraced anchoring, leading to his first job at NBC affiliate WHIZ in Zanesville, Ohio.

Adapting to New Environments

Chen emphasized the importance of understanding local markets as a sports anchor, mainly when covering teams in unfamiliar cities. He credited his Syracuse education with preparing him for the adaptability required in journalism.

“Everybody knows Syracuse, so you’re familiar with the environment,” Chen said. “When you go to a whole new city, you’re unfamiliar with it. But you still have to figure out how to organize and plan logistically.”

In Zanesville, where Asian representation was virtually nonexistent, Chen encountered challenges ranging from cultural stereotyping to skepticism about his ability to cover mainstream American sports. Instead of allowing these obstacles to discourage him, he used them as motivation.

“I remember people looking at me like, ‘You don’t belong here,’” Chen said. “I made my skin thicker. I don’t let it bother me because I’m secure in myself, whatever I am. It can be tough hearing those words, but it helps motivate me to work harder and encourage more diversity.”

Navigating Journalism’s Challenges

Chen’s versatility became clear during ESPN’s coverage of the NBA’s 2019 preseason games in China. Tensions rose after former Houston Rockets executive Daryl Morey commented on Hong Kong. Amid uncertainty, Chen played a critical role in ensuring smooth coverage, navigating the challenges of broadcasting political sensitivities. 

“I think fundamentally, even if you’re going into sports, you must know how to be a journalist,” he said. “You cover things fairly. It’s not just about the games. Sometimes there are other things, but you have to know how to tell a story.”

His bilingual and bicultural background allowed him to bridge ESPN’s U.S. and Chinese divisions. Working with Tencent, ESPN’s Chinese partner, he tailored content to meet the needs of Chinese audiences, from highlighting Chinese players in the NBA to providing cultural insights often overlooked in Western broadcasts.

Inside the NBA Bubble

Chen was one of 25 journalists chosen to cover the NBA’s 2019-20 season restart within the Walt Disney World “bubble” after the COVID-19 suspension. Despite the stringent health protocols and challenging conditions, he remembered the experience as one of the highlights of his career.

“It felt like a family because you would always see Steve Smith eating lunch there, Richard Jefferson around, and I got to know Jared Greenberg really well,” Chen said. “You learn a lot, but you’re busy as heck. A lot of people depend on you, and there’s a lot of responsibility. But it’s also fun, and that’s why I chose this profession—because I’m passionate about it.”

Advocating for Diversity in Sports Media

Beyond his reporting, Chen advocates for increasing Asian American representation in sports media. As vice president of the Asian American Journalists Association’s Texas chapter, he works to create more opportunities for Asian Americans on-air and behind the scenes.

“I think there definitely could be more Asian journalists in the industry,” Chen said in response to a student’s question. “It’s always important to have different perspectives.”

Encouraging aspiring journalists to stay persistent despite setbacks, he left students with a final message:

“No matter how many rejections, all it takes is one person to believe,” Chen said. “And then you move on, you succeed, you overcome.”