Selostaja

Selostaja is a broadcasting professional who provides live narration of events, most commonly in sports, on radio or television. The selostaja describes actions as they happen: who has the ball, passes, shots, fouls, the score, the clock, and contextual information such as previous results, statistics, and strategy. The narration is designed to guide listeners or viewers who cannot see the action clearly, but also to enhance the viewing experience for those watching.

The term is derived from seloste, meaning description. In Finnish broadcasting, a selostaja often works in tandem with a kommentaattori, who supplies analysis and interpretation. Some broadcasts employ a combined selostaja-kommentaattori role.

Key responsibilities include clear diction, appropriate pacing, correct terminology, and the ability to maintain neutrality while conveying excitement. A selostaja must know the sport well, keep track of the score and time, pronounce players’ names accurately, and coordinate with producers, statisticians, and other on-air staff. Adaptability to live twists, injuries, or weather is important.

Common settings are radio and television studios covering football, ice hockey, athletics, cross-country skiing, and motorsport, among others. The selostaja’s voice and phrasing contribute to a broadcast’s identity and accessibility, especially for audiences following the action closely.

With advances in technology, some events use automated narration for basic description, but the selostaja remains central for live sports where nuance, quick interpretation, and audience engagement are valued.