Sports journalism is an exciting career option for anyone who loves sports and has excellent communication skills. With lots of different pathways to choose from, including commentating, writing, and producing, there’s a niche for everyone. And while sports journalism is a wide and diverse field, there’s one important skill that all aspiring journalists need to hone: building relationships with key figures in the sports industry. Having good relations with these contacts means journalists are more likely to build the trust and respect they need to get great stories.
This article explores why these connections are so important and how journalists can make them. It will also discuss the role of sports journalists and explain how further study could help individuals qualify to be one. Finally, it will consider the career prospects for sports journalists.
The role of a sports journalist
Sports journalism can be split into different categories and areas of sports. Here’s everything prospective journalists need to know.
What do sports journalists do?
The main responsibility of the role is to report on sporting events, teams, and individual athletes and players. This can be done through a variety of means, including radio, television, newspapers, magazines and online sports broadcasting.
A sports journalist may focus on one particular activity or work in a more general capacity, covering a wide range of sports. The skills sports journalists need are also wide-ranging. They include insight into the world of sports, communication skills, excellent grammar, fact-checking, an eye for detail, and the ability to manage deadlines.
Another vital skill for journalists is networking. Connecting with sporting figures, fans and peers is essential in a journalist’s quest to find great stories and make lasting, mutually fulfilling relationships.
How to become a sports journalist
To start a career, individuals may opt for a Bachelor of Arts degree in sports journalism or a related subject, such as English or communications. But this is not the only option. Budding journalists who have a degree in an unconnected field can undertake further study, for example, a Master of Arts in sports journalism.
Those interested in becoming sports journalists may also wish to practice their skills on a voluntary basis in addition to taking a formal course of study. This could involve writing a blog or volunteering to write a newsletter or handle the social media for the local sports team. Individuals could also consider an internship to provide the experience they need. Any practice is useful, and skills can be transferred and refined as journalists progress throughout their careers.
In short, it is an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys sports — whether taking part themselves or spectating — and loves conveying their passion to an audience.
Benefits of building relationships
Building up great relationships with figures in the sports industry is essential for journalism practice and has numerous benefits. Firstly, having an amicable relationship with an individual athlete, team, or coach means that they will be happy to provide the journalist with the information needed for stories.
Sometimes, this may be a ‘scoop’, where one journalist alone has access to important information. Being able to break news in this way will help individuals build a reputation as a sports journalist and earn the respect that comes with a successful career.
Of course, this arrangement works both ways. For example, the sports personality may wish to use the journalist to announce their career plans or set the record straight on an issue. This means that they are mutually beneficial to one another and can enjoy an enduring and useful relationship.
Spending time with athletes can also mean that journalists gain a deeper understanding of how they work, from training routines through to their strategies and motivations. This gives them a greater awareness of what they are going through and allows them to craft more in-depth and insightful pieces.
Being connected to important figures in the sports industry also gives journalists access to their contacts. They will find that they meet new people and have experiences that just wouldn’t be possible without the great relationship they have with sporting allies. This could take their journalism in fresh directions or give them the chance to add new perspectives and insights to stories.
Connecting with key figures in the sports industry
For those who are new to sports journalism, the thought of putting themselves out there and making those important connections can seem daunting. But by following these tips and applying them with consistency and patience, they will build up dynamic relationships successfully and confidently with sporting figures.
Be present
The obvious place to start making connections is by attending matches and other sports events such as press conferences. Over time, a journalist will become a familiar face to players and behind-the-scenes staff, making it easier to approach them and establish a relationship.
A good place for sports journalists to start is by approaching the team coach or other support staff. They can put the journalist in touch with individual players and help them make connections more easily.
Be respectful
When meeting a sports figure for the first time, journalists should make sure they introduce themselves, including the media outlet they work for or are contracted with (if applicable). While they are journalists, they should still be prepared for questions about their background and experience.
When journalists are going through the process of building up a rapport with sporting figures, they should always keep in mind the demands of their time. They must keep interactions brief and respectful as they set out to establish a relationship. In time, they will be able to ask more in-depth questions or approach them for longer, one-to-one interviews.
Be curious
Once journalists have this type of in-depth interview scheduled, they must make sure to do their research beforehand. They should find out as much as possible about the interviewee. This will include understanding their background and the journey they have traveled to becoming a pro athlete.
They must also be sure to keep up to date with any recent developments in an individual player’s career and in the industry as a whole. This demonstrates that they have a keen interest in the player, their team, and their area of sports. In turn, this will give sports journalists credibility and help gain their trust. These details can help a journalist build up a picture of their motivations and any struggles they may have encountered along the way. This will help them formulate questions and lead the conversation in unexpected ways.
For these more in-depth meetings, it is wise for journalists to follow up with a thank you. This could be a simple email or message. It shows that the journalist appreciates they have a busy schedule and will help towards building a mutually respectful relationship.
Be useful
Additionally, journalists must bear in mind that the content they produce could be of use to players and teams, not just to a media outlet. Creating interviews, videos, and other content that showcase their talent will help the journalist build up a close and mutually beneficial relationship. The journalist should offer material voluntarily every now and then to keep relations positive and show an appreciation for players’ or teams’ time.
Be neutral
It is natural for a journalist to gravitate towards a particular team or sporting figure that they admire or have followed for some time. But they must not let this tip over into bias. Staying objective and neutral when reporting stories means that journalists can build up relationships with both sides, not just one.
And they must take time to reach out to ‘the other side’ too. Having a good understanding of more than one team or sport will add to their credibility as an all-round journalist, capable of switching between subject areas.
Be patient
Above all, journalists remain patient. Any relationship takes time to build. Being pushy, demanding, or skipping any of the stages necessary to earn trust will prevent journalists from building the easy, productive partnerships they seek.
Establishing good relationships in any walk of life takes time, so good sports journalists will put in the effort in the early stages of their careers to reap dividends in time.
Relationships within the journalism industry
Relationships with employers, colleagues, and peers are just as important for a journalist’s career as their connections with sports figures — so they must take time to nurture these too.
They can build on any relationships they may already have forged during training, whether these are fellow students, tutors, or alumni. Their experience and insight can help guide graduates in the first steps of their careers.
To bag that first job, they must be proactive in reaching out to news outlets and employers to express their interest in working for them.
Sports journalists must keep their portfolios current too — any potential employer will want to see examples of work and the variety of topics the candidate can cover.
Once an individual is working as a journalist, they must keep relationships with peers alive. They can do this by dedicating time to networking with fellow journalists. Joining national or local professional associations, attending industry events, and reaching out to others at sporting events and press conferences can aid in this.
Offering mutual support to fellow journalists can increase opportunities for both parties — and may open up pathways neither had considered before.
Sports fans
Sports fans play an important role in great stories. Thus, building relationships with fans and followers is another essential task for sports journalists. Fans can provide valuable comments or reactions that help add color to stories. They may also be a useful source of information and insights into a particular team or player.
To build relationships with fans, journalists can get to know them at live events. Just as they would treat athletes and players with respect, they should do the same with fans. A journalist should start by introducing themselves and asking a few questions about the fans and their interest in the game before leaping in with questions.
Journalists can also engage with sports fans on social media, respond to their posts and any comments they make. Even online, journalists must be professional and neutral in their interactions — siding with a particular team or player will more likely gain enemies than friends. And they must not be afraid to reach out to fans for inspiration. Super fans are often the most knowledgeable source of information and can be extremely useful people for a journalist to know.
Train to be a sports journalist
Sports journalism is a dynamic career path offering many different options and opportunities.
Those who already have a Bachelor of Arts degree in a related field may consider enrolling in a Master’s in Sports Journalism. By choosing the Online Master of Arts in Sports Journalism program provided by St. Bonaventure University, prospective journalists can learn without compromising existing commitments. This will consolidate their existing knowledge and give them a firm foundation to develop a successful career as a Sports Journalist.
As well as understanding traditional news reporting, students of this program also learn about journalism ethics, working with digital media, and how to forge those vital relationships. And for those wondering how to flex their study around existing commitments, the coursework at St. Bonaventure University is entirely online.
It provides students the freedom to study when and where suits them, without having to spend time and money commuting to campus. By studying 100% online, students will learn all the skills needed to make it as successful sports journalists. These include:
- Interviewing skills.
- Producing podcasts and digital interviews.
- Covering live events.
- Understanding the principles of journalistic practice and ethics.
- Creating business models.
- Understanding diversity issues in sport.
Career prospects for a sports journalist
Working as a sports journalist offers many different pathways. Qualified individuals may take a traditional route, starting out as a junior reporter on a local newspaper or media outlet, for example.
After a few years of hard work, they will have the experience to reach for more senior positions such as columnist or editor. Or, if they love the adrenaline of live television, then working as a broadcast journalist may be the right path for them. In broadcast journalism, their role will be to communicate information about live matches as they happen, conveying a thrilling atmosphere to the audience. Whichever specialism a sports journalist opts for, they can be assured that they will receive decent remuneration for their work.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2022 the median annual salary for journalists was roughly $55,960. And those working in media streaming distribution services and social networks, for example, can earn as much as $79,000 per year.
With so many options in this dynamic profession and a fair financial reward for skills and expertise, sports journalism makes a sound career choice.
Make a career in sports journalism a reality
Sports journalism can be a rewarding, multi-faceted career that could take talented individuals in many different directions. Whichever specialism they choose, sports journalists know that they have a long and fruitful career ahead while working in a dynamic field.
The first step is enrolling in a sports journalism course. The abovementioned St. Bonaventure University Online Master of Arts in Sports Journalism can be attended by individuals across the US, even if they have no experience in the field.
With a journalism education and strong communication skills, individuals can thrive in this fast-paced and exciting industry.