Jeff Leyland is a results-oriented sports broadcaster with 10+ years experience in radio and television in the Lower Mainland. His in-depth knowledge of all aspects of sports broadcasting from live on-air delivery, to researching, writing, and producing sports stories, features and clips has contributed to his success. His extensive network of industry contacts, including agents, coaches, and players have enabled him to deliver exclusive stories and quality content within tight timelines. He was named Vancouver’s top radio sportscaster in 2003 and 2005 by a Vancouver columnist. His passion for sports, disciplined approach, and ability to adapt quickly to a variety of environments make him a strong team player.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Sports Reporter/ Host, THE TEAM SPORTS RADIO 1040 AM
* Gathered exclusive interviews and breaking stories for Vancouver’s all-sports station
* Participated in a live province-wide post-game broadcast interacting with 2 hosts, providing game analysis and commentary
* Delivered sports updates 3 times an hour for afternoon drive show including writing, producing and delivering content
* Provided pre and post-game audio as a beat reporter during six Canucks seasons
* Hosted pre and post-game for Whitecaps professional soccer broadcasts
* Sideline reporter for B.C. Lions football and Whitecaps soccer games
September 2001 - July 2008
Weekend Sports Anchor, CITY TV-VANCOUVER
* Hosted the evening sports segment of Citynews at 6 and 11
* Developed the entire 5-minute sports feature daily focusing on late-breaking sports news and human interest sports stories
* Researched, wrote and edited each segment of the script to match the fast-paced station format
* Liaised with editors to produce the highlight and story package
* Worked to tight deadlines and short lead times to prepare a sports segment that covered multi-sports and late-breaking game results from around North America and the world
* Reported live from the field from various events and locations
* Contributed to the show dynamics with on-air show banter and throws to the host
October 2004 - October 2006
Freelance Reporter, THE SPORTS NETWORK (TSN)
* Filled in during absences of Farhan Lalji, West Coast Reporter, delivering story ideas, statistics and live on-site interviews
* Covered Canucks games, practices and major press conferences including post-game locker room interviews with players
September 2003 - May 2004
Vancouver Radio Reporter, Broadcast News & Associated Press
* Reported from NHL and CFL games and major events including Molson Indy and PGA tour
* Filed post-game reports and audio for the wire service in Toronto and Washington
* Collected audio from both dressing rooms at practice, before and after games
September 2002 – 2006
Reporter, ESPN-sports ticker
* Reported on all NBA and NHL games in Vancouver with updates every few minutes
* Gathered quotes and statistics for ESPN editors to strengthen their wire stories
September 2000 – February 2002
Reporter & Broadcaster, MYCITYRADIO.COM
* Developed stories for the news and sports department for Vancouver’s first Internet broadcast site that combined print, radio and television components
* Filmed and hosted the morning ‘man on the street’ segments for daily talk shows
September 2000 – January 2001
Director of Media Relations, VANCOUVER CANADIANS SINGLE-A BASEBALL CLUB
* Acted as media liaison, arranged interviews and created story ideas
* Generated significant media coverage from all major media outlets, including features on television, radio and in print
* Hosted all media personnel, providing relevant stats and player information
May 2000 – September 2000
Basketball Reporter, CKNW 980 AM RADIO
* Reported on all Vancouver Grizzlies games, practices and morning shoot-arounds.
* Gathered interviews for post-game show, worked closely with play-by-play crew.
August 1999- May 2000
Sports Video Library Assistant, ORCA BAY SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT
* Shot listing and editing Canucks and Grizzlies game footage
* Worked on ‘streeters’ for the in-house television shows, “Canucks This Week” and “Grizzlies This Week” broadcasted on CTV Sportsnet
August 1999-September 2000
Assistant to the Sports Director, JRFM 93.7 AND AM 600
*Volunteered as assistant to the Sports Director by researching and filing stories
* Covered numerous local-sporting events on assignment including the 1998 NBA Draft, Vancouver Canadians Baseball games, PGA events, and Whitecaps pro soccer game
September 1995- August 1998
EDUCATION
British Columbia Institute of Technology, Broadcast Journalism Program, 1998-2000
Langara College, Marketing and Business courses, 1996-1997
