Cobe Blackmond
Chicago,IL
Summary
Game-day operations and sports production professional at CHSN with hands-on experience supporting live athletic events and broadcast content. Expected graduation: May 2026. Skilled in creating and executing real-time graphics for daily sports programming, including pregame, halftime, and postgame shows under tight deadlines. Proven ability to collaborate with on-air talent, producers, and production crews to ensure smooth execution, precise timing, and high-quality viewer experiences. Thrives in fast-paced, high-pressure environments requiring accuracy, adaptability, and strong teamwork.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Production Assistant
Chicago Sports Network
Chicago, IL
03.2026 - Current
- Create on-air graphics using Xpression and iNews for daily sports programming and pregame shows
- Collaborate closely with producers to develop and execute broadcast content under tight deadlines
- Support 10–15 live productions per week across pregame, game-day, and postgame coverage
- Assist in producing multiple daily sports shows, ensuring accuracy, timing, and overall production quality
Student anchor / Reporter / Social Media Chair
Leatherneck Insider
Macomb, IL
08.2022 - 04.2026
- Collaborated with on-air talent and production teams to deliver live and studio content; served as an anchor and live reporter
- Managed live broadcast deadlines while performing roles including camera operator, floor director, director, teleprompter, and audio; created and posted Instagram graphics and sports edits
- Produced and edited video packages and highlight segments for broadcast and digital platforms
- Assisted in coordinating live productions, ensuring smooth transitions between segments and effective communication across crew members
Production assistant/Color Commentator
ESPN+
Macomb, IL
10.2024 - 03.2026
- Supported live game-day operations for 100+ ESPN+ broadcasts across multiple NCAA sports, collaborating with producers, directors, and on-air talent
- Directed and coordinated 10+ person production crews during live broadcasts, ensuring clear communication and efficient execution
- Communicated in real time with camera operators, replay, graphics, and announcers to ensure smooth show flow and precise timing
- Assisted with pre-game setup and post-game breakdown of broadcast and arena equipment
- Monitored live broadcasts for quality, compliance, and timing, quickly escalating issues to maintain a professional presentation
Education
Bachelor of Arts Degree in BC&J
Western Illinois University
Macomb, IL05-2026
Skills
- Camera Operator, Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe Photoshop, Audio Board Operator, Technical Director, Xpression Graphics, AGT Graphics
Accomplishments
- 2025 IBS, 1st Place – Best Sports Program
- 2023 Student Illinois News Broadcasters Awards (SINBA), Second Place – WIU Sports Broadcasting Club Outstanding Sports Television Program
- 2023 NABJ Cultural Competency Panel, First Place – Outstanding Hard News Television Program
Affiliations
- Alpha Gamma Sigma President
- Leatherneck Insider Social Media Chair
Timeline
Production Assistant
Chicago Sports Network
03.2026 - Current
Production assistant/Color Commentator
ESPN+
10.2024 - 03.2026
Student anchor / Reporter / Social Media Chair
Leatherneck Insider
08.2022 - 04.2026
Bachelor of Arts Degree in BC&J
Western Illinois University
AWARDS
Participant, 2023 Student Illinois News Broadcasters Awards (SINBA) Second place, WIU Sports Broadcasting Club Outstanding Sports Television Program., 2023 NABJ Cultural Competency Panel, First Place, Outstanding Hard News Television Program, IBS 2025 1st place Best Sports Program