Sports Journalism – Have You Got What It Takes?
Interested in sports journalism? Other than a love of sport, you’ll need exceptional writing skills, an ability to create great stories, and most likely, a journalism degree.
What’s the Working Environment Like?
Newsrooms are mostly fast-paced and unpredictable environments, where each day is unique and exciting.
Working hours are irregular and long as a journalist, so expecting a 9 to 5 work structure won’t go down well here. Deadlines can also be tight and strict and may need to turn out pieces on a fast and frequent basis.
Plenty of travel is also an intrinsic part of being a sports journalist, and working outdoors in various kinds of weather conditions is often required.
What Types of Journalist Roles Are Out There?
Editors
Editors manage, formulate and collate stories across the board for a publication (or an area of a publication) and give assignments to writers; they will often have the final say on pieces before they go to print (or air).
Leader Writers
Leader writers generally write editorials and can fill in for the editor or other senior writers when they are absent.
Feature Writers
Feature writers create feature pieces, which will often hone in on key events or people; feature stories are often more detailed, creative and commentary-focused
Columnists
Columnists write shorter but regular pieces for a publication, usually known as a ‘column.’ Columns will generally focus on one particular area (e.g. sports) and offer opinion and commentary.
What Skills Do You Need to Become a Sports Journo?
- A passion or keen interest in all forms of sport and current sporting events
- An ability to ‘chase’ or hunt down stories and build networks that consistently lead to good stories
- Excellent creative writing and editing skills, with the capacity to find story angles, yet write objectively and without bias
- Great research, interviewing, and fact-checking skills
- Willingness to learn about all facets of journalism (not just sports reporting)
- Willingness to start “at the bottom” and even in another journalism area
- Willingness to travel to where the sport/news is happening
- A strong understanding of social media and online media
- An ability to work independently, without much supervision
Journalist Gender Share
Journalist Employment Share
Getting a Journalism Qualification
Sports journalism is an exciting and fast-paced journalistic world. At present, there are around 22,500 journalists employed in Australia.
Although it’s not strictly mandatory, a Bachelor’s degree can be beneficial if you want to become a journalist in any field.
However, that’s not to say that someone without this qualification cannot thrive in this industry. With experience gained through interning, along with exceptional written and verbal communication skills and of course a genuine passion for sports journalism, becoming a sports journalist without a Bachelor’s degree is definitely achievable.
If you’re tossing up whether (sports) journalism is right for you, you can start with a Certificate course and move on to a Bachelor’s qualification from there.
Journalists most often have qualifications in:
- Journalism
- Communications
- Professional Writing
With a variety of courses in class, online and blended learning, there is an added flexibility when studying Journalism – this allows individuals to make their study experience their own with the choice to study their way.
Top 5 Skills For a Journalist
- Active Listening – 85% important
- Reading Comprehension – 85% important
- Writing – 82% important
- Speaking – 80% important
- Critical Thinking – 75% important
What Else Can You Do to Increase Your Chances of Journo Success?
- Write as much as you can! Become involved with your university paper or magazine, or contribute to community papers or publications in your local area.
- Stay abreast of what’s happening in the sporting world, for all sports – don’t bury your head in the sand!
- Volunteer or take on an internship that allows you to gain experience in a ‘real life’ newsroom.
- Practice taking impressive photos to accompany your articles, as you may be required to do this in conjunction with your reporting.
- Write or contribute to a blog that you can also use to showcase your journalism talents and build a portfolio.
If you love sport and think a career in sports journalism could be right for you, why not review our journalism courses? You’ll learn the basics of what it means to be a journalist and how to succeed in the sporting world. If sports is your thing but writing isn’t, explore a career in sports coaching instead.
Browse Results
Diploma of Nursing (SA Only)
Build a meaningful career that makes a difference with the HLT54121 Diploma of Nursing. This nationally recognised qualification provides the essential skills, knowledge, and practical training needed to become a qualified Enrolled Nurse in Australia....
Graduate Diploma in Management
The Graduate Diploma in Management is an online postgraduate qualification that is ideal for busy senior managers, with a potential entry pathway through any of our Graduate Certificates and study that is highly supported, fits into your schedule, and...
Graduate Certificate in Management
The Graduate Certificate in Management is an online postgraduate qualification that is designed for newer and ambitious professionals, with entry possible through management experience alone and a study structure that easily accommodates full-time work...
Certificate III in Community Services (WA Only)
The Certificate III in Community Services is perfect for entry level community services workers who support individuals through the provision of person-centred services. Work may include day-to-day support of individuals in community settings or suppor...
Bachelor of Health Science (Clinical Nutrition)
Clinical nutritionists integrate traditional food wisdom and current scientific evidence to motivate individuals and communities to eat well and live healthier lives. The Bachelor of Health Science (Clinical Nutrition) is supported by a strong underpin...
Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy)
Naturopathy is a whole medical system combining theory (philosophy and principles) and practise that uses an array of natural therapies to support healing and maintain health. Naturopaths aim to treat the underlying causes of illness and disease. The c...
Certificate III in Community Services (Perth Only)
Are you a natural when it comes to providing guidance to people? Would you like to kick start a career in Community Services? The Certificate III in Community Services (CHC32015) is the perfect entry-level qualification for prospective Community Servic...
Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing OR Disability) (Perth Only)
If you have a passion for helping those most in need, this qualification is one way you can utilise your knowledge for the benefit of others. Package the Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing or Disability) (CHC33021) to save time and gain know...
Certificate lll in Early Childhood Education & Care (Perth Only)
If you love working with children and want to learn more about providing quality education and care in a range of environments, this course is for you. The Certificate lll in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30121) can provide you with an entry-l...
Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) (SA Only)
The Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) is designed to equip you with the practical skills and knowledge to support people living with disability in a variety of care settings. With a focus on person-centred support, you’ll learn how to...
Certificate III in Non-Emergency Patient Transport (VIC Only)
Our Promise We are confident in the delivery of our training. On successful completion of the course, graduates will be guaranteed a telephone interview for vacant Patient Transport Officer positions in the Non-Emergency Patient Transport division. So...
Diploma of Community Services (Perth Only)
The Diploma of Community Services qualification reflects the roles of community services, case management and social housing workers involved in the managing, co-ordinating and/or delivering of person-centred services to individuals, groups and communi...
Certificate IV in Business (Perth Only)
This qualification is suited to those working as administrators and project officers. In this role, individuals use well-developed skills and a broad knowledge base to apply solutions to a defined range of unpredictable problems and analyse information...
Certificate III in Process Manufacturing (Perth Only)
The Certificate III in Process Manufacturing is designed for those working or looking to work in production, warehousing, or factory roles. This hands-on course equips you with the practical skills needed to operate machinery, follow safety procedures,...
Certificate III in School-Based Education Support (Perth Only)
Are you interested in becoming a teacher’s aide? Work with teachers to create a comfortable and supportive environment for children’s learning. You will ensure lessons run smoothly while also developing the student’s literacy, numeracy and resear...
Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance (Perth Only)
A Certificate III in Allied Health is your entrance into the world of health services! This course will teach you to support workers in a range of fields such as audiology to social work. You will use your qualification to gain an entry-level job in ei...
Certificate III in Individual Support (Perth Only)
This qualification is for those who want to work in the community or in a residential setting, following a customised plan to give person-centred assistance to individuals who may need it due to ageing, disability or other circumstances. Work involves...
Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance (Perth Only)
Are you interested in entering the health services industry? This nationally recognised qualification will allow you to enter into one of the most rewarding and enjoyable careers! When studying this course, you will gain knowledge in a range of fields...
Bachelor of Health Science (Acupuncture Therapies)
Acupuncture is a branch of Chinese Medicine that stimulates specific points on the body to regulate the flow of Qi (vital energy) to restore health and balance the functions of the body, mind and spirit. Acupuncture therapies combines Chinese medicine...
Bachelor of Health Science (Chinese Medicine)
Chinese medicine is a whole medical system that seeks to balance the functions of the body, mind and spirit and restore health. It combines theory (philosophies and principles) and practices including acupuncture, moxibustion, medical Qi Gong, Chinese...
Latest Articles
As one of Australia's most important industries, the agriculture industry offers great career opportunities. Read our career guide and get started today.
Want to read more?
Animal carers are responsible for the care and well-being of animals. Job duties include daily cleaning of animal areas, feeding, monitoring animal health, assisting with restraint for medical procedures, and assorted other daily cleaning tasks.
Considering a career in aged care? Get a glimpse into what it’s like to work as an aged care worker with these seven ‘need-to-knows’.
Want to start a counselling career, but unsure of its financial security? Learn about the highest paying counselling fields and put your mind at ease.
