WHAT SPORTS JOURNALISTS DO
Sports journalists provide content about sports events and teams for a variety of news platforms, including newspapers, radio and TV shows, magazines, and websites. In general, journalism is a very competitive field. Aspiring sports journalists may have to start out in low-paying, entry-level positions in small markets before moving up the ranks. Once they do, however, they may be able to build a reputation and long-standing career, travel to various sporting events, and even interview athletes.
KEY SKILLS REQUIRED TO BE A SPORTS JOURNO
Key skills for this career include excellent written and verbal communication skills, objectivity for reporting news without bias, persistence for pursuing news stories, basic computer skills including social media and databases, and the ability to work long hours in a fast-paced environment. These skills, as well as experience, weigh heavily on a sports reporter’s earning potential.
Sports journalists typically start out in entry-level positions writing for small publications in small towns or cities. As they gain experience, develop their reporting skills and make names for themselves in the field, they may move on to larger, better-known news organisations.