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What should I keep in mind while taking up sports journalism?

I am in 11th grade and interested in pursuing sports journalism as a career. Are there any important information sources or things to know or keep in mind as I pursue this? Thanks

college sports journalism sports-journalism
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Tom’s Answer

Joseph is right. If you want to be another NFL announcer, or even getting into a related job that pays a living wage, odds are stacked against you.

But a kid can dream, right Justin?

So here's the no-guarantee 'sure way' to get the job you want.

Start hanging around sports journalists. Listen. Ask constantly....You are starting the process of networking. Has to become a career long process.

Ask to write sports stories for your High School paper or even the local paper. College newspaper if/when that applies.

Find other outlets in your area that deal in sports and might want some kind of coverage: City League or community teams, arena management, rodeos, robotics competitions, bowling halls, Little Leagues, small fry football, etc. See if you can wrangle some reasonable compensation from them for your stories. (You-to-them: "If you like the first 2-3 stories I write for you, will you compensate me in some manner for the rest?" You are building a catalog of your work.

Technically a sports journalist is usually hired by a media outlet. In the example above you are acting more as a publicist, but you are building your portfolio in the first stage.

Suggestion: Anybody can write about the stats of the game. How can you find a way for your reporting to be different? Ask people in the business. "How can I improve my writing, how can I be different?"

BTW, people LOVE to be asked their opinion on something. [Like you did to me!! :) ] Use that in your networking and good things will happen. Really. This is the way to make some luck arrive for you.

Hypothetical scenario: You call the sports reporter for the largest newspaper in your area. Tell him you are considering a career in sports journalism and could you buy him [say a box of Girl Scout cookies,! etc] 'to ask his opinions' on the career. You meet. He shares some insights, you ask if he'll critique something you've written, thank him. Ask him, "do you mind if I stay in touch with you?" (This gives you permission to ask something of him again in the future)

If this guy above says No. Use the same approach on others in the biz. In fact do that anyway. The more people you talk with the more likely something positive will happen.

See if you can find a degree somewhere in Sports Journalism and get it. Helpful but not absolutely necessary.

Have a back up plan. You can bust your rear end for years "paying your dues" with any career only to see it mean little in the end. Keep looking over the horizon a tad.

So I'd say be realistic about your chances, but go for it full bore. Starting now!

Good luck Justin.
Thank you comment icon Thank you very much for the comment back. I like your reply in specific a lot because you kept all of your information simple while still explaining a very possible situations. Almost like a step-by-step. Very good information. Thank you. Justin
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Deepa ’s Answer

Earn a degree in journalism or mass communication. Gain experience through internships with sports media companies. Begin your career by reporting for local news or online platforms.
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Nik’s Answer

Start Early: Build a digital portfolio now through blogs or school media.

Be Versatile: Learn video, audio, and social media tools, not just writing.

Storytelling over Stats: Focus on the "why" and the people behind the game.

Network: Connect with local journalists for mentorship and critiques.

Stay Realistic: It’s a crowded field; be prepared to work your way up from small beats.
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Rafael’s Answer

Hey Justin, sports journalism is an excellent field. The best thing you can do is start creating content now; write for your school paper, start a blog, cover local games, or share recaps on social media. Building a portfolio early will help you stand out later. Study different styles from major sports outlets to decide what type of journalist you want to be, like a beat reporter, columnist, or broadcaster. Since the industry is moving toward digital and multimedia, learning video editing, social media strategy, and audio production will make you more marketable. People who excel also develop strong communication and networking skills, so connect with local reporters and reach out to journalists you admire. Start writing and get your name out there!
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Joseph’s Answer

As a high school student looking into the prospect of being a professional sports journalist, I draw the analogy of a high school student dreaming of becoming an NFL player. The number of colleges offering a Bachelor's degree in Journalsim is similar in nature to the number of colleges that offer a Division 1 football program,.This means that only a fraction (perhaps less than 1 percent) will have an opportunity to work as a sports journalist or as an NFL player. The analogy extends to the limited number of print or broadcast outlets, which is similar to the 32 NFL teams that each have only 53 available roster spots. This makes for a very competitive field with no guarantees.
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