Ron Novotny Interview

An interview with Ron Novotny QHow long have you been working at KNOD? A For about 22 years.

Q Of those years, how many were sports commentary?

A Hmm 20 years I think.

Q What’s the most rewarding part of your job and what is the most challenging?

A I guess the most rewarding part is when I get thank yous from coaches for making them sound so good on air, birthday and anniversary announcements. The most challenging… getting up in the morning and staying awake. (snickers to himself)

Q Of the many sports you commentate, which is the most exciting?

A Baseball! Love the pace of the game. Its more of a mental game than physical. I just get a sense of what the kids are going to do. Like how the pitcher is going to throw or what is going through his mind.

Q Which sport do you enjoy playing the most? Golfing now. When I was younger I played baseball believe it or not. Oh every now and then I go to the batting cages and hit a few. But for the most part its all about the golf.

Q Have you always been a radio announcer? Yes, I went to
Brown University in Minneapolis. Studied radio broadcasting. 38 years later, I still love every minute of it.

Q Do you have a favorite athlete or team?

A Nahh I love all the winning teams.

Q Who has been a major influence in your life?

A I don’t remember her name, but she was a teacher and told me that I would be a good announcer. She was quite a character.

Q Any advice for aspiring announcers?

A Well, you have to read a lot, learn the proper way to pronounce words and names. Keep up on current events since you never know when something will come up. And it’s a tough business, so have a thick skin.

Q If you had 10 million dollars what would you do?

A Buy a golf course, give some to friends, give some scholarships to kids that need to go to college.

Ann 6th