As a sports reporter for Comcast SportsNet, Chick Hernandez was inspired by such memorable characters as Glenn Brenner and James Brown. His 28 years in the field of journalism originally started during his junior year at the University of Maryland.
Hernandez’s carrier choice originally stemmed from his own love and participation with sports. He played both baseball and football on his high school teams.
“When I realized that I wasn’t going to grow tall enough to be become at Pro Football player, I thought reporting on the sports would keep me close to it,” Hernandez said.
In April of 2001 Hernandez joined the newly created Comcast SportsNet. He was hired as a sports reporter and focuses on sports teams In the Washington area, with a focus on the Washington Redskins.
“I was picked to come to Comcast SportsNet because of my popularity at Fox 5,” Hernandez said. “They chose me to be the face of the network and that is where I have remained. The Redskins coverage was just a natural because they have been, always will be, the biggest story in town.”
Hernandez was originally from the Washington area and enjoys being able to work in his hometown. However, he tries to not show favoritism in his work as it allows him to keep a proper perspective of the sports.
“I was always taught that cheering in the press box was forbidden,” Hernandez said. “Having an unbiased outlook seems to work the best in an area where so many people come to D.C. From all over the country and world. They all have their favorite teams and the appearance that I’m rooting against their teams would not help me gain viewers.”
Hernandez’s career is centered around video media, so he often faces journalism in a way that is different from a sport writer.
“My time on TV is somewhat limited, so I need to choose what fits best into my report,” Hernandez said. “I may have 2 or 3 minutes to tell their story or the game story. The most important thing to report, I believe is the truth, and to do it in a way that captivates the viewer who is sitting in front of their televisions.”
