Whether it’s covering the Super Bowl or interviewing LeBron James after winning yet another NBA title, there are plenty of opportunities for people to travel the world writing about sports. So, if you dream of traveling, reporting on games in person, or living out your office sport industry fantasies, know that there are many paths to take to get there.
What Is Sports Journalism?
Sports journalists cover everything from athletic events and teams to the global impact of sports and athletes. Also referred to as sportswriters, they write columns, editorials, feature stories about games or individual players, interviews with athletes or coaches, or breaking news for online media outlets.
A sports journalist typically writes for a print publication such as a newspaper or magazine. They may also work in radio or television broadcasting. Some even choose to work freelance, depending on the market where they live. These professionals also write for websites or blogs regularly as a form of online journalism.
What Education Do I Need?
Some colleges and universities offer courses in sports reporting through their schools of journalism. Still, it may be possible to take individual courses – especially those that focus on specific sports – through a school of communications or department of English.
However, some sports journalists get into the industry based on their passion for the game. A degree isn’t a requirement for this path, but it can help you in the long run.
What Skills Do I Need?
Like any journalist, sports journalists must be able to write fast and clearly. While many people want to cover their hometown teams or favorite players, don’t expect to only write about the game or team that you’re passionate about. Sports journalists need to perform well under pressure and juggle multiple assignments at once.
They can also expect to work long hours. Most sports journalists are expected to write several stories about breaking news, player injuries, and game updates throughout the day. These journalists often spend their days traveling, attending games or press conferences before writing up their stories for print or broadcast media outlets.