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?

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

• Journalism
• Communications
• Professional Writing

Top 5 Skills For a Journalist

Active Listening

Reading Comprehension

Writing

Speaking

Critical Thinking

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.