Alum Jonathan Edmond Reaches Broadcast Milestone Calling His First NBA Game

College of Communication and Media (CCOM) alumnus Jonathan Edmond (‘22) reached a major professional milestone on December 14, calling his first NBA game, a Brooklyn Nets-Milwaukee Bucks matchup in New York on WFAN, marking a full-circle moment in a career shaped by hands-on learning, mentorship and persistence.

Building a Career in Sports Content and Storytelling

Edmond serves as senior coordinator of content management for Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment, working across teams including the Brooklyn Nets, New York Liberty and Long Island Nets. Based in one of the world’s largest sports markets, his role allows him to blend storytelling, production and on-air experience at the professional level. 

While Edmond’s day-to-day role on the content team does not require him to be on air, the opportunity to call a Nets game grew out of years of broadcasting experience and relationship-building within the organization and at Montclair.

Professional Growth Through Mentorship

“Chris Carrino has been a great mentor to me and has followed my work and growth,” said Edmond of the longtime Nets radio play-by-play announcer. “He asked me to join the Nets radio broadcasts to sit in for Tim Capstraw while Tim handled color commentary on television.”

Since joining Brooklyn Sports and Entertainment, Edmond has been open about his goal of becoming a broadcaster and has consistently sought feedback and guidance from mentors within the Nets organization, including Carrino, Capstraw, Ian Eagle and Noah Eagle.

“Jonathan is a terrific young man and very well liked amongst his co-workers. Everyone wants to help him get where he wants to be in his career,” said Carrino, who is also a play-by-play announcer for Compass Media Networks and Westwood One. “He’s an excellent broadcaster and will get better with experience. His diligence in his preparation stands out. I’m glad we could give him this opportunity.” 

“Jon is a true student of broadcasting, he’s singularly focused on polishing his skills and developing his craft,” said Ian Eagle, lead play-by-play announcer for the Brooklyn Nets and a national broadcaster for CBS Sports and TNT. “I know the preparation will always be first rate because of the pride he takes in his job. He’s an absolute pro and the opportunities he’s getting have been earned based on his tireless work ethic and how he treats others. Sky’s the limit!”

Outside of his full-time role as a media manager, Edmond continues to pursue freelance broadcasting opportunities, and credits the ongoing support and feedback from his mentors as instrumental in earning on-air opportunities.

CCOM as the Launchpad

A Union, NJ native, Edmond began his sports media journey as a transfer student and quickly became deeply involved in Red Hawk Sports Network and The Montclarion.  

“Being part of Red Hawk Sports Network taught me how to edit, how to be on camera, how to interview and how to truly be a broadcaster. With The Montclarion, I learned how to write and developed patience. All of that transitioned into the person I am today.”

One of Edmond’s most memorable student experiences came during RHSN’s first live football broadcast on Montclair’s streaming network Hawk+. While unexpected technical challenges kept him from calling a game that day, watching his peers successfully bring the live show to air left a lasting impression.

“Seeing everyone come together and nail that broadcast showed me what preparation and teamwork really looks like.” 

Those lessons proved critical as Edmond transitioned into high-pressure professional environments, including working major events such as the NBA Draft and Heisman Trophy. 

Edmond, credits the CCOM faculty and staff for instilling the importance of preparation and confidence when opportunity presents itself.

“When that opportunity comes, you better be ready. That’s something CCOM really taught me. But I felt like I was dreaming,” Edmond said of the Dec. 14 game. “I was super nervous in the beginning, but I locked in and trusted myself because I’ve been working toward this moment. I had a lot of fun and learned so much, and I’ll continue to keep climbing.”

“I’m extremely proud of Jon,” said Professor Kelly Whiteside, who led the Sports Communication program and taught several classes while Edmond was a student. “From the day he arrived as a transfer student until the day he graduated, he never stopped learning and never stopped asking questions. He worked so hard on his craft by calling games and being part of our live productions. He is an inspiration to our students, who can look at someone like him and think to themselves, ‘I can do this, too.’”

Edmond encourages current and prospective students to take full advantage of Montclair’s facilities, experiential learning opportunities and student media organizations.

“Have patience and enjoy the journey, Montclair prepared me for everything I’m facing in this profession.”

Media Contact: Keith Green, greenk@montclair.edu 973-655-3701

About the College of Communication and Media: The College of Communication and Media (CCOM) offers a range of dynamic programs to a talented and diverse student population of over 2,000. Offering degrees in advertising, animation and visual effects, communication and media studies, film and television, journalism and digital media, social media and public relations, sports communication and an online, asynchronous MA devoted to strategic communication and media, the College prepares the next generation of communication and media practitioners and leaders. Founded in 2012 and housed in world-class, state-of-the-art facilities just 12 miles from New York City, the College is the only program in the country that offers the following opportunities for students: a radio station (WMSC), newspaper (The Montclarion), strategic communications agency (Hawk Communications), sports network (Red Hawk Sports Network) streaming platform (Hawk+), digital newsroom (News Lab) and studio, and a social media listening center (Joetta DiBella and Fred C. Sautter III Center for Strategic Communication). The College also has a Student Success team, including dedicated Career Services and Advising professionals who prepare students for the internship and job search process. Student projects and programs have recently received national recognition from PRSSA’s Bateman Competition, an Edward R. Murrow Award, several Marconi Award nominations, and College Television Awards (“Student Emmy” awards) from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. The College is also home to the Center for Cooperative Media, which serves the public by working to grow and strengthen local journalism and media. Through $7.1M in grants awarded over the last five years, the Center focuses on collaboration in journalism, media equity, media coaching and training, civic science and research. The Center is also home to the NJ Civic Information Consortium, the largest funder of media and journalism in New Jersey, granting more than $10M over the last five years to support independent local media, journalism and training initiatives.

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