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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.
Courses found:
Certificate III in Process Manufacturing (Perth Only) MSM30116
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Certificate III in Horticulture (Geelong Only) AHC30716
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Certificate III in Individual Support (Geelong & Werribee Only) CHC33015
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Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services (VIC ONLY) CPC40912
THIS COURSE IS AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS IN VICTORIA ONLY This course covers common skills relevant for the plumbing industry in addition to specialist streams relevant to drainage, gas fitting, roof drainage, sewerage and more. These plumbing training cou...
Certificate III in Hospitality (Perth Only) SIT30616
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Certificate III in Individual Support (Melbourne Only) CHC33021
Are you compassionate and wanting to make a difference? Our CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support is a course designed for those wanting to help care for vulnerable people that need assistance. To be an individual support worker, you should po...
Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) (SE Melb Only) CHC33015
If you are looking for a career that is challenging, diverse and offers you the opportunity to make a difference to someone else’s life, then a career in Aged Care could be for you! Aged Care is a rapidly growing industry and during the course you will...
Certificate IV in Ageing Support (SE Melb Only) CHC43015
Get the most sought after qualification in the caregiving industry. Aged care is a rapidly growing industry, thanks to an overall ageing population. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australia has a larger proportion of the population b...
Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) (SE Melb Only) CPC50220
This course (CPC50220) is designed to meet the needs of people working in the building industry whose intention is to become a Registered Building Practitioner, satisfying the education requirements of the VBA. It is specifically designed for learners...
Certificate III in Information Technology ICT30120
Are you interested in the IT field but lack experience? The ICT30120 – Certificate III in Information Technology is a qualification that can help you develop the foundational skills needed to start an exciting career in the IT industry, either as...
Certificate III in Information Technology Focus on Programming ICT30120
Want to start a career in programming but lack the skills and experience? The ICT30120 – Certificate III in Information Technology – Focus on Programming is a perfect starter course for those wanting to learn some of the core aspects of the...
Certificate III in Information Technology Focus on Web Development ICT30120
Our ICT30120 – Certificate III in Information Technology – Focus on Web Development is a qualification that can provide you with the training across the ICT fundamentals and to explore some electives in web development. If you decide to go...
Certificate in III Information Technology Focus on Basic Cloud Computing ICT30120
If you want to learn the basics of cloud computing but are also keen to explore the general areas of ICT, our ICT30120 – Certificate III in Information Technology – Focus on Basic Cloud Computing is a great foundational course if you have l...
Diploma of Community Services (Case Management) CHC52015
The CHC52015 Diploma of Community Services (Case Management) is designed for people who are passionate about working with individuals and communities as a Case Manager or Caseworker. Working as a Case Manager entails supporting individuals and organiza...
Certificate in Travel & Tourism
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Advanced Certificate in Equine Studies
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