For Nick Davis (LA’83), TV production is a path he was set on since his middle-school days. His uncle ran a summer TV-production program in New York City, which two of his older siblings attended. After hearing their stories, he was hooked for life. “I grew up watching and loving TV,” Davis says. “Production allowed me to have a creative outlet in the field.”

Today, Davis is executive producer for Fox Sports West, Fox Sports San Diego, and Prime Ticket. Since graduating from Purdue, he’s enjoyed an impressive career in the sports-broadcasting world, including nearly 15 years as a coordinating producer for Cox Communications (where he produced San Diego Padres baseball), six years with ESPN, and almost four years with Fox Sports. 

A mass communications major at Purdue, Davis says his time in West Lafayette allowed him to sharpen his skills in TV and radio. Additionally, his two years on the football team were crucial for his production career, as he gained insight into the experience of being an athlete. Davis says that experience has given him a unique perspective when it comes to interviewing players.

“Typical is not in my vocabulary.”

—Nick Davis

In his current role, Davis works with nearly every level of sports, whether it’s the NHL, NBA, MLB, college basketball, or high-school football. Not surprisingly, his responsibilities differ quite a bit on a weekly basis. Davis could be in national production meetings for the upcoming NHL season one day and might be having discussions with players and front-office members of a local team the next. “Typical is not in my vocabulary,” he says. “We cover all levels — pro, college, high school — and I oversee all aspects of production. There’s never a dull moment.”

Though his job can be hectic, requiring long hours and constant travel, Davis says that he’s right where he wants to be. He gets to work in the industry he grew up admiring while spending his days interacting with people across the sports spectrum — from TV talent to professional athletes.

And, as Davis notes, there’s ultimately no comparison to the thrill of TV production. “There’s nothing more exciting than working in sports,” he says. “When you are a producer or director, you get to sit in the big chair, and you’re working on live TV. I’m lucky to be able to do it.”