Voices of Texas - Episode 1, Merle Bertrand

·20 min·2 clips

Merle Bertrand reveals the huge sense of responsibility he feels broadcasting a state championship, like astronauts praying before launch.

This episode features host Melvin Jones interviewing veteran Texas high school sports broadcaster Merle Bertrand. Bertrand is the broadcast director for Vipe Media and the longtime play-by-play voice for the Vandergrift Vipers. The conversation explores Bertrand's career journey and the evolution of local sports broadcasting in Texas. Bertrand explains his start was a "happy accident," transitioning from a childhood interest and a detour into the film industry. He began with K-MAC Sports around 2004 after creating a demo tape for founder Chuck Licata. The discussion highlights the massive popularity of Texas high school football, citing attendance figures that dwarf other states' championships. Bertrand notes the appeal for athletes is playing for their school alongside childhood friends. The industry shift from audio-only streams to multi-camera video productions represents a major technological change. Bertrand observes this accessibility means parents often stream games on phones, but he distinguishes that from a professional broadcast. He recalls calling Vandergrift's state championship football victories in 2022 and 2024, describing the immense pressure and responsibility of those moments. Mentor Brad Cohn advised him to savor the experience due to its rarity. The transition from the small, passion-project K-MAC to its acquisition by Vipe Media in 2018 allowed for significant geographic expansion across Texas. Bertrand emphasizes that success requires dedication, sacrifice, and a willingness to travel, not just passion. He cites Garrett Green, who started with Vipe and now broadcasts for the Houston Astros' affiliate, as a success story. Bertrand himself feels content nurturing talent in the "sandbox" of high school sports rather than pursuing national roles. The tone is conversational and reflective, blending personal anecdote with industry analysis. It carries an educational undercurrent for aspiring broadcasters. This episode will deeply appeal to fans of Texas high school sports and anyone interested in the behind-the-scenes world of local sports media. Listeners seeking debates on major professional sports or fast-paced narrative might find it less engaging.

As heard by us

A relaxed first episode on Texas play-by-play, centered on Merle Bertrand and the work behind the mic.

This first installment of Voices of Texas stays close to Merle Bertrand, the broadcast director and voice of the Vandergrift Vipers, and that focus gives it a personal feel.

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Why you'd press play

Press play if you want the human side of Texas play-by-play.

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