A
color commentator (
color analyst,
analyst,
summariser) is a
sports commentator who assists the
play-by-play announcer, often by filling in any time when play is not in progress. The color analyst and main commentator will often exchange comments freely throughout the broadcast, when the play-by-play announcer is not describing the action. The color commentator provides expert
analysis and background information, such as
statistics, strategy and injury reports on the
teams and
athletes, and occasionally
anecdotes or light humor. Color commentators are often former
athletes or
coaches of the sport being broadcast.