Sports journalists inform the public about the happenings in the world of sports, it could be local news, national or global scale. Sports reporters can work at different levels, they could be newspapers, radio stations, television, or online platforms. The story of sports journalism started in the 1800s in England by Pierce Egan and by the 20th century special sections were created in the newspapers for sports news due to its popularity among middle and lower-class citizens.

In recent years, there have been different forms of sports journalism, including; play-by-play, sports recaps to analysis, and investigative journalism to catch up with new development that is happening in sports. Sports journalism with the new technology is struggling to get proper finance that it requires to meet up with bloggers and tweeters who are all trying to be the first to break the news.

A sports journalist can earn between 101,641 NGN to 209,331 NGN monthly and more depending on the organization you worked for. As a sports journalist, you get to see the world especially the sports reporters who have to cover life events.

Careers in Sport Journalism

Below are some of the job opportunities you can explore in Sports Journalism

Sports Writer

A sports writer covers various sports events, matches, and tournaments, and writes articles for newspapers, magazines, or online platforms. As a sports writer, you may have the opportunity to cover major events like the Olympics, World Cup, or Super Bowl.

Sports Reporter

As a sports reporter, you will be responsible for conducting interviews with athletes, coaches, and sports personalities, and providing live coverage of games and events. You may work for television or radio stations, updating viewers or listeners with the latest sports news. A sports reporter is estimated to make between 230,000 NGN to 300,000 NGN according to Glassdoor

Sports broadcasters or commentators

This involves reporting, presenting, and analyzing sports news on television or radio. Sports broadcasters or commentators provide live commentary during sporting events, conduct post-match interviews, and give expert analysis on sports-related topics. The estimated salary of a sports broadcaster or commentator is between 111,000 NGN to 554,000 NGN according to SalaryExplorer

Online Content Creator

With the rise of digital media, there is a high demand for sports journalists to create content for websites, blogs, and social media platforms. This includes writing articles, producing videos, and providing analysis and commentary on sports-related topics.

Sports Editor/Producer

This role involves managing a team of sports journalists, ensuring that articles or segments are produced on time and meet editorial standards. Sports editors/producers are responsible for assigning stories, reviewing and editing content, and making sure the final product is engaging and informative.

Sports Pundits

As a pundit, you will have the opportunity to provide opinionated analysis and commentary on various sports topics. This involves expressing your personal thoughts, insights, and perspectives in regular columns in print or online publications.

How to Become a Sports Journalist

A career in sports journalism can be exciting and rewarding for those who are passionate about both sports and storytelling. Sports journalists have the opportunity to cover events, interview athletes, analyze games, and provide commentary on various sports topics.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to pursue a career in sports journalism:

Obtain a bachelor’s degree: A degree in journalism, communication, or a related field is usually the first step. Courses in sports journalism, sports communication, media ethics, and journalism ethics can be helpful.
Gain writing experience: Develop your writing skills by contributing to your school or college newspaper, writing for sports blogs or websites, or working as an intern at a local newspaper or TV/radio station.
Build a portfolio: As you gain experience, create a portfolio showcasing your best sports writing samples. Include articles, features, interviews, and analysis pieces to demonstrate your range.
Develop a network: Attend sports events, press conferences, and industry conventions to meet people in the sports journalism industry. Building relationships with athletes, coaches, and other journalists can provide opportunities for interviews and collaborations in the future.
Apply for internships: Internships at sports media organizations can provide hands-on experience and help you gain industry knowledge. Apply to local newspapers, sports radio stations, TV stations, or online publications that cover sports.
Identify your niche: Determine if you have a specific interest in a particular sport or aspect of sports journalism. This could be football, basketball, baseball, or sports analysis. Building expertise in a niche can help you stand out.
Pursue advanced education: While a bachelor’s degree is sufficient for many entry-level sports journalism roles, pursuing a master’s degree in journalism or sports communication can provide a competitive edge and open doors to higher-level positions.
Start working: Look for entry-level positions at sports magazines, newspapers, websites, radio stations, or television networks. These roles may include covering high school or college sports, writing match reports, conducting interviews, or providing analysis.
Polish your skills: Continuously work on improving your writing, researching, reporting, and interviewing skills. Attend workshops, webinars, or conferences to stay up to date with industry trends and techniques.
Stay up to date and Network: Engage with readers, viewers, and listeners through social media platforms and your website or blog. Building a personal brand and a strong online presence can help you gain recognition and job opportunities.

Skills Of a Sports Journalist

Some of the Skills Required of a Sports Journalist are:

Excellent communication: a sports journalist must be eloquent and fluent in his use of the English language.
Great Technique: must be good with the use of tools like camera, graphic design, web design, and video editing or other required technical skills.
Sports knowledge: attend sports events and get yourself acquainted with the rules of the sport, the names of the players, the coaches, and the positions they play on the pitch.
Good Research skills: you must be ready to read and study about the chosen sport conduct various interviews and pay attention to details.