51����

Working for the Cleveland Cavaliers was not something Nick Langer ever imagined for his career. He wasn’t even exactly sure what he wanted to do when he graduated from high school, but his time at WOUB Public Media changed all of that.

“I knew I wanted to be involved in media when I was in high school,” said Langer. “51���� was the first college I visited, and it was one and done. They showed me the studios at WOUB and that was it. My decision was made.”

Langer grew up in North Canton, Ohio and majored in Integrated Media at 51����. He got involved at WOUB as a freshman.

“I knew a girl from high school who was working at WOUB, and she told me I should get involved as soon as possible,” said Langer. “One of the first things I did was go watch a live broadcast of Gridiron Glory (WOUB’s live weekly half-hour high school football program), and I got involved with the show right after that.”

During Langer’s first year working on Gridiron Glory, he traveled to high school football games and shot video. He also ran studio camera. After Gridiron Glory ended, Langer started working on Hardwood Heroes (WOUB’s high school basketball program) and became the show’s director. By his sophomore year, Langer was also directing Gridiron Glory, WOUB’s nightly news program NewsWatch and the live stream of 51����’s Homecoming Parade.

“Getting the opportunity to direct so early on during my college career helped me to build a really solid portfolio of work by the time I graduated,” said Langer.

To gain additional experience, Langer also did production work with the 51���� Athletic Department.

“As I gained more sports experience, I realized I really liked it,” said Langer.

But when he graduated in December of 2020, Langer’s first job was not in sports production. He accepted a position in corporate video as a video editor at AmTrust Financial Services in Cleveland.

“I produced, managed, filmed, and edited video projects and contributed to the creative direction for paid advertising campaigns,” said Langer. “But I realized I missed sports. I missed the faster pace that kept you on your toes.”

That’s when Langer accepted a position as a video producer with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

“It’s a fun job. I produce, videotape and edit projects that are used during the games at the arena and on broadcast and digital platforms,” said Langer. “And I don’t only do work for the Cavs. I also do work for all the sports franchises owned by Rock Entertainment Group: the Cleveland Charge, an NBA G League team, the Cleveland Monsters, an ice hockey team, and the Cavs Legion, an esports team.”

Langer says he never expected to be doing what he is doing now only two years out of college.

“It all comes down to the fact that I took on leadership positions at WOUB early on,” said Langer. “I really do think being able to be so hands on so early on really set me up to further my skillset. WOUB met me where I was. The professional staff felt like I was ready take it on and had my back. Being so involved at WOUB so early on was really a game changer.”