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Sports Journalism is a dynamic profession that combines sports with storytelling. Sport is deeply ingrained in culture in the UK, and in Birmingham, there is a rich history of sport. Here at BCU, you can study a Sports Journalism degree to learn more about the sector and start your career.
Sports journalists play a pivotal role in bringing the excitement of games, the drama of rivalries and the human stories of athletes to life. But what exactly does a sports journalist do? We’ll tell you about the key aspects of this profession.
Event and match coverage
A significant part of a sports journalist’s role is to cover live sporting events, from Premier League football matches to Wimbledon and Six Nations Rugby. This involves attending matches, taking notes and capturing the atmosphere to deliver detailed and engaging reports.
Whether writing for a national newspaper, reporting for a broadcaster such as Sky Sports, or contributing to online platforms like The Athletic, journalists aim to provide their audience with accurate and timely coverage.
For instance, a rugby journalist covering a match might need to file a match report within minutes of the final whistle. This demands a deep understanding of the sport, quick thinking, and the ability to write concisely under pressure.
Sports Journalism graduate Andi has been lucky enough to travel the world covering boxing as a journalist.
Conducting interviews
Sports journalists can also interview players, managers and coaches to provide insights and behind-the-scenes perspectives. These interviews can take place in post-match press conferences, exclusive one-on-one sessions, or during media days. The ability to ask probing questions and gain trust with interviewees is a crucial skill, as athletes can be high profile and often short on time.
Athletes can often be in the public eye, and journalists must navigate the balance between asking tough questions and maintaining professionalism. High-profile interviews can shape public opinion and generate headlines.
Sports Journalism at BCU
Find out more about our Sports Journalism course
Writing and producing content
Sports journalism isn’t just about match reports; it can encompass a wide range of content formats. These include:
- Features: In-depth stories about athletes’ personal journeys.
- Opinion pieces: Analysis and commentary on tactics, controversies and the future of sports.
- Investigative journalism: Exposing corruption, financial scandals or governance issues within organisations.
- Multimedia content: Creating podcasts, video analysis and social media updates.
On our Sports Journalism course, you will get to pick optional specialist modules in areas you are interested in, for example, photojournalism, radio production or digital storytelling. This allows you to hone in on skills you want to develop further to benefit your future career.
Staying in the know
The sports world moves quickly, and journalists must stay informed about breaking news, transfer rumours and emerging talents. This could mean tracking deadline day transfers in football or reporting on late-night developments in cricket. Social media platforms like X and TikTok have become key tools for both sourcing and spreading news.
Specialising in a Sport
As a sports journalist, you may choose to specialise in a particular sport or league. For example, a journalist might focus on Formula 1, horse racing, or rugby union. Specialisation allows for deeper expertise and can lead to becoming a trusted voice in that niche.
Challenges and Ethics
Like any profession, sports journalism comes with challenges. These include:
- Deadlines: Writing under tight time constraints, especially during live events.
- Access: Gaining entry to certain events or interviews can be highly competitive.
- Ethical dilemmas: Balancing the public’s right to know with respecting athletes’ privacy.
Sports journalists are also subject to the Editors’ Code of Practice, which outlines ethical standards in reporting.
The future of sports journalism
The digital age has transformed sports journalism. Traditional print media has shifted towards online platforms, and there’s a growing emphasis on video content, live blogging and social media engagement. Sports fans are incredibly passionate, and the demand for high-quality, innovative sports coverage is stronger than ever.
Sports journalists now have to adapt to these changes by developing skills in multimedia production, data analysis and audience interaction. Despite these challenges, the core of sports journalism remains the same: telling compelling stories that connect fans to the sports they love.