Week 7-9 PDF - Careers in Sports Media

Week 3: Day 3 (27 Sep, Fri) Week 4-6: 02 - 18 Oct Group Presentations Week 7: Day 1 (23 Oct, Wed) Sports and Media Careers in Sports Media The Professions of Sports Journalism  Sports journalism, as is probably obvious from the name, covers the world of sport. From what’s happen...

Week 3: Day 3 (27 Sep, Fri) Week 4-6: 02 - 18 Oct Group Presentations Week 7: Day 1 (23 Oct, Wed) Sports and Media Careers in Sports Media The Professions of Sports Journalism  Sports journalism, as is probably obvious from the name, covers the world of sport. From what’s happening on the field, pitch, court, track, pool among other places to what goes on behind the scenes and also the story of the individuals - what we call the human story. ❖ To talk about sports ‘hardcore’, you obviously need to know your sport, from all the new substitution changes in football, to the different formats you see in cricket, to when a tie break is taking place in tennis and the sprint in Formula One. But for the human interest, the socio-political and the stories of individuals breaking down barriers, you don't really need to be a sports expert to produce such stories, be it written articles, photo essays, short videos, documentaries or podcasts. You just need to learn how to spot those stories that add value, do your research, your interviews and be keen and willing to step outside the box and follow the human story. This might be a story about an individual who has risen through the ranks, someone from a minority group who has had to work that extra bit harder just to get in, a group of female athletes trying to open up opportunities for girls in a particular community, disabled athletes or other disadvantaged people.  Week 7: Day 2 (24 Oct, Thurs) Sports and Media The Professions of Sports Journalism Pakistan Sports Channels In Pakistan, sports channels are popular for broadcasting various sports events. Among the top sports channels in Pakistan are PTV Sports, Ten Sports, and Geo Super. PTV Sports is one of the most-watched sports channels, with an emphasis on cricket, hockey, football, wrestling, and tennis. Ten Sports, on the other hand, broadcasts cricket, football, tennis, and other sports events globally, as well as live coverage of domestic cricket matches. ❖ To talk about sports ‘hardcore’, you obviously need to know your sport, from all the new substitution changes in football, to the different formats you see in cricket, to when a tie break is taking place in tennis and the sprint in Formula One. But for the human interest, the socio-political and the stories of individuals breaking down barriers, you don't really need to be a sports expert to produce such stories, be it written articles, photo essays, short videos, documentaries or podcasts. You just need to learn how to spot those stories that add value, do your research, your interviews and be keen and willing to step outside the box and follow the human story. This might be a story about an individual who has risen through the ranks, someone from a minority group who has had to work that extra bit harder just to get in, a group of female athletes trying to open up opportunities for girls in a particular community, disabled athletes or other disadvantaged people. Take a look at this clip from a news story Al Jazeera English covered in 2017 about the lifting of a ban on wearing the hijab in basketball and how this has changed the lives of many girls living in the UK https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJhOxhPu_ZA&t=23s  Or think about how the footballs during the Brazil 2014 World Cup, that were co-produced in Pakistan, changed the dynamics of an entire city, from boosting export figures to having a positive impact on the problem of child labor and empowering women https://interactive.aljazeera.com/aje/2014/WCball/index.html  Sports Journalism Sports journalism refers to the process of reporting on matters related to the world of sports. Sports journalists cover a wide range of topics, from games and competitions to sports business, analysis, and lifestyle stories. They work in various media platforms, including print, broadcast, and the Internet. The ultimate goal of sports journalism is to inform, entertain, and engage sports fans  Sports Journalist Sports journalists are people who love sports. To be successful at their job, they must be enthusiasts. However, a sports journalist’s skills do not exclusively depend on their love of sports. They must also assume all the functions that come with the job and overcome accompanying challenges. Sports journalists may be generalists, meaning that they are able to discuss any sport, such as soccer, basketball, tennis, or handball. Or they can specialize in a specific sports discipline. In this case, they master a particular sport and are recognized as experts. Understanding What is Sports Journalism Sports Journalism is not merely about recounting scores and outcomes; it serves as the conduit through which sports enthusiasts connect with their favorite games, athletes, and the broader sporting landscape. By delving into the heart of sporting events and their human stories, Sports Journalism transcends the realm of information dissemination and assumes a multifaceted role that shapes perceptions, sparks debates, and influences the very fabric of the sporting world. Informing and Engaging Fans At its core, Sports Journalism acts as a bridge between sporting events and their audience. Through concise match reports, insightful analyses, and expert commentaries, Sports Journalists provide fans with the latest updates, in-depth insights, and a deeper understanding of the games they cherish. Whether it's the thrill of a last-minute goal or the tactics behind a game-changing decision, Sports Journalists narrate the drama, ensuring that fans are not mere spectators, but informed and engaged participants in the sport.  Week 7: Day 3 (25 Oct, Fri) Sports and Media The Professions of Sports Journalism It seems simple and it seems fun - getting paid to watch and cover sports. Right? But remember, sports journalism is more than just match reports or quick soundbites after a match. And that’s why we also have to find the stories that tell us how sports play an active role in helping communities, the under-reported sports and athletes, how women have been breaking down barriers and stereotypes and how athletes, and sports, have the power to change the world outside the sporting arena. Investigating and Uncovering Stories Beyond the surface-level excitement, Sports Journalism has the power to uncover stories that transcend the boundaries of the field. Investigative Sports Journalism can shed light on issues such as corruption, doping scandals, and social injustices within the sports industry. By holding stakeholders accountable and revealing hidden narratives, Sports Journalists play a vital role in preserving the integrity of the games we love.  Humanising Athletes Athletes aren't just numbers on a scoreboard; they are individuals with unique backgrounds, struggles, and triumphs. Sports Journalism takes a humanising approach, bringing athletes' personal stories to the forefront. These stories inspire, motivate, and showcase the resilience that propels athletes to achieve greatness. By revealing the personal journeys behind the medals, Sports Journalists remind us that sports are as much about the people as they are about the competition. It could very well be someone who has recently become famous with a big football club, or won a tennis grand slam. What is his or her story and how did he or she reach this far? Or it could be a story about how the Afghan cricket captain went from a refugee camp to starring on the world’s biggest stage: There are stories highlighting wider social issues, such as this story about African boys and men being exploited while hoping to make it as professional players in Europe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v44Hkemo4zw  Week 8: Day 1 (30 Oct, Wed) Sports and Media The Professions of Sports Journalism  Cultural and Societal Reflections Sports have a way of reflecting the societies in which they are played. Sports Journalists recognize this interconnectedness and often explore how sports intersect with culture, politics, and societal norms. Whether it's the celebration of diversity in the Olympics or the role of sports in addressing social issues, Sports Journalism amplifies the profound impact that sports have on our collective identity. The Spark for Conversations and Debates Sports are not immune to controversies and debates, and Sports Journalism acts as the catalyst for these conversations. From heated discussions on team strategies to discussions on the fairness of refereeing decisions, Sports Journalists provide a platform for fans to voice their opinions and engage in healthy debates. These discussions deepen our connection to the games and encourage critical thinking about the broader implications of sports.  Inspiration and Aspiration Through profiles of Young athletes find heroes to remarkable athletes, Sports Journalism has the look up to, and even non- underdog stories, and unique ability to inspire athletes draw motivation from accounts of incredible individuals both on and off the the dedication and comebacks, Sports field. determination showcased in Journalists ignite the spark of sports stories. aspiration in readers. Skills Needed in Sports Journalism Sports Journalism is a dynamic and competitive field that demands a diverse set of skills to effectively convey the excitement, drama, and stories behind the world of sports. Whether you're reporting on a nail-biting match or uncovering the backstory of a rising star, mastering these skills will elevate your Sports Journalism game Writing Proficiency At the heart of Sports Journalism lies the art of storytelling through the written word. Clear, concise, and engaging writing is essential for delivering match reports, features, and analyses that captivate readers. The ability to craft compelling headlines, use descriptive language to evoke emotions, and structure narratives effectively is crucial in keeping readers hooked from the first sentence to the last.  What is a Sports-Writer? A sports-writer is a journalist who specializes in covering sporting events and writing about sports topics for newspapers, magazines, websites, or other publications. They attend games, interview athletes and coaches, gather information about statistics and performance, and craft articles that inform, analyze, and entertain readers.  Some sports writers focus on covering specific sports, such as football, basketball, or tennis, while others cover a wide range of sports. They may also write feature articles, profiles, or opinion pieces on various aspects of sports, such as the business of sports the history of sports or cultural issues in sports. The role of a sports writer is to provide Insight Analysis Commentary on the world of sports and its impact on society. Types of Sports Writers Beat Writers Beat writers are journalists who cover a specific team or sport on a regular basis. They attend all games and events and report on the team's performance, player injuries, and other news. They often build relationships with the athletes, coaches, and other officials and may be the primary source of news for fans of that team or sport. Columnists Columnists are sports writers who provide commentary and analysis on a wide range of topics within the world of sports. They may write opinion pieces, personal essays, or more in-depth analyses of current events or trends. They often have a strong voice and point of view and may be well-known for their unique perspective. Feature Writers Feature writers focus on telling human interest stories about athletes, coaches, and other figures in the world of sports. They may write profiles, interviews, or investigative pieces that provide insight into the personal lives and experiences of those in the sports world. Game Reporters Game reporters are journalists who attend games and events and report on the action on the field or court. They may write summaries, play-by-play recaps, or provide real-time updates for fans who are unable to attend the game. Investigative Reporters Investigative reporters focus on uncovering news and information that is not readily available to the public. They may dig into issues such as doping scandals, athlete abuse, or financial improprieties within sports organizations.  Week 8: Day 02 (31 Oct, Thurs) Sports and Media The Professions of Sports Journalism  Research Skills Behind every well-written sports article is thorough research. From player statistics and historical data to the latest developments in the sports world, Sports Journalists need to be adept at gathering accurate and relevant information. There are many online resources, including governing body websites, that are good first-stop shops for gathering information and stats. FIFA’s Website, ESPNCricinfo, Olympics.com, NBA.Com Strong research skills enable Journalists to provide context, analyze trends, and offer insights that enhance the depth and quality of their reporting. We’ve all seen the extensive use of stats, charts and predictions on TV as well as on Twitter. It all makes a difference now to the audience, having those numbers in front of them to reserve judgement, right? ❖It makes the Sports Journalists/TV commentators sound smart and all- knowing too! Which means, research is essential. How do you do your research before an event? Or when you have to write a feature? Or when you have a major interview lined up? And how do you carry out that interview? What questions should you be asking? Where is that line that you don’t cross? And which is the best format and platform to publish or run that interview? Interviewing Techniques Interviewing athletes, coaches, and other stakeholders is a key aspect of Sports Journalism. Developing effective interviewing techniques allows Journalists to extract authentic stories and perspectives from their subjects. Building rapport, asking insightful questions, and active listening are essential skills that contribute to creating engaging and informative interviews. Multimedia Expertise In today's digital age, Sports Journalism extends beyond written articles. Proficiency in multimedia tools is invaluable for creating diverse content. Skills in photography, video editing, and podcast production enable Journalists to present their stories through different mediums, catering to a wider audience and enhancing the overall storytelling experience. Adaptability and Quick Thinking Sports are unpredictable, and the ability to adapt to unexpected developments is crucial. Journalists often need to switch gears quickly, adjust their narratives, and produce content under tight deadlines. Being flexible and composed in high-pressure situations ensures that readers receive timely and accurate information.  Networking Skills Building a network within the sports industry opens doors to exclusive insights, interviews, and access to events. Cultivating relationships with athletes, coaches, agents, and other Journalists can provide unique angles and fresh perspectives that enrich your reporting.  Critical Thinking and Objectivity Sports Journalists must navigate bias and remain impartial in their reporting. Critical thinking skills help separate fact from opinion, ensuring that stories are accurate and fair. Striving for objectivity allows Journalists to maintain credibility and earn the trust of their readers. Attention to Detail The devil is in the details, especially in Sports Journalism. A keen eye for detail ensures that statistics, names, and facts are accurately reported. This meticulousness contributes to the overall quality of the content and reflects the Journalist's commitment to delivering reliable information. Ethics in Sports Journalism Ethics form the moral compass of Journalism, and Sports Journalism is no exception. Upholding principles of accuracy, fairness, and responsibility is paramount in maintaining the credibility and integrity of the field. As a Sports Journalist, you'll encounter various ethical considerations that guide your reporting Objectivity and Impartiality Sports Journalists are entrusted with the task of presenting the truth without bias. Objectivity requires presenting all sides of a story, irrespective of personal opinions or affiliations. Remaining impartial (treating all sides equally and not showing favoritism) is essential in ensuring that readers receive balanced information and can form their own opinions based on the facts presented. Reporting Accurate Information Accuracy is the cornerstone of ethical Sports Journalism. Verifying facts, cross-checking statistics, and confirming information from reliable sources are fundamental steps in delivering trustworthy content. Inaccurate reporting not only damages your credibility but can also have far-reaching consequences for athletes, teams, and the sporting community. Avoiding Sensationalism While capturing the excitement and drama of sports is important, sensationalism that exaggerates or distorts facts should be avoided. Responsible Sports Journalists strive to maintain the integrity of their reporting, steering clear of clickbait headlines or stories that prioritize shock value over truth. Respecting Privacy and Dignity Athletes are public figures, but they're entitled to a certain degree of privacy and respect. Sports Journalists should be mindful of invading an individual's personal life beyond what's relevant to their athletic achievements. Delicate matters, such as an athlete's health or personal struggles, should be reported with sensitivity and respect for their dignity. Transparency in Sources Being transparent about the sources of your information builds trust with your readers. Clearly attributing quotes, statistics, and data to their original sources helps readers evaluate the credibility of the information presented. It also prevents the spread of misinformation or the appearance of plagiarism. Fact-Checking and Corrections Even the most diligent Journalists Issuing corrections demonstrates can make mistakes. When errors are your commitment to accuracy and discovered, it's essential to correct accountability. them promptly and transparently. Responsible Use of Visuals In the age of visual storytelling, ethics extend to the use of images and videos. Obtaining proper permissions for media usage, avoiding manipulation of visuals to mislead, and refraining from publishing overly graphic content are all ethical considerations that demonstrate respect for both subjects and audiences. Championing Diversity and Inclusion Ethical Sports Journalism embraces diversity and promotes inclusivity. Reflecting the diverse backgrounds and perspectives of athletes and fans ensures a more accurate representation of the sports community and resonates with a wider audience.  Week 8: Day 03 (01 Nov, Fri) Sports and Media The Professions of Sports Journalism Formats for Sports Journalism  Print Journalism Remember newspapers and magazines? There was once a time when newspapers were not just daily but also came out as monthlies and weeklies. Difficult to imagine that in the current day and age. Print journalism, as the name makes clear, is the reporting and editing of news and other content for newspapers and magazines. For a very long time, that was the only medium available for transmitting the news. Digital Journalism With the rise of the internet, the world of print journalism has quickly given way and space to digital publishing. Newspapers turned into websites, words turned into audio and video and people no longer need to wait until the next day to find out what is happening right now. ❖Digital journalism is a contemporary form of journalism that focuses on the creation, editing, and distribution of content through digital channels And then came social media Broadcast Journalism Alongside print journalism is the world of TV and radio, the latter having long provided endless hours of joy (and news) to its audiences far and wide. With the advance in technology came TV, first in black and white and then in color. ❖Broadcast journalism is the field of news and information delivery that uses radio, television, or online broadcasting to reach a wide audience. Sports broadcasting Sports broadcasting, often abbreviated as “sportscasting,” is a multi-million dollar industry, all over the world. Sports broadcasting is the distribution of sporting events and information via mass media, most prominently through the medium of television, but also through radio and internet avenues. A sports broadcaster's role includes providing commentary analysis updates during sporting events, as well as hosting sports talk shows and producing sports- related content.  Sports Broadcasting Networks Today, there are hundreds of sports broadcasting networks Some focus on a specific sport, some focus on college athletics, some focus on national sports leagues, and some focus on the local sports scene. Apart from broadcasting live sporting events, these networks often broadcast talk shows, sports commentary, and sometimes, films on the subject of different sports. There are numerous sports broadcasting networks, including ESPN the Golf/Ski Channel the Tennis Channel the NFL/NHL/MLB/NBA Network the World Fishing Network  Huge television networks that broadcast all kinds of content usually have a separate sports component of their broadcasting. These networks include NBC, CBS, and Fox. Sports broadcasting networks are showing sports content twenty-four hours a day and seven days a week, most of it new and including up to the minute information on particular games, scores, teams, players, draft picks, and playoff and championship games. ESPN, for example, has a varied list of sports programs that address sports news and analysis. These include Baseball Tonight College GameDay Midnight Madness Sunday NFL Countdown NFL Primetime SportsNation Data Journalism This is an especially interesting - and cool - part of sports journalism. With so many numbers floating around, the art of making sense of those numbers and presenting them in a visually appealing way for your audience can work wonders. ❖Data journalism or data-driven journalism is journalism based on the filtering and analysis of large data sets for the purpose of creating or elevating a news story.  Photojournalism ❖Photojournalism is a form of journalism that uses photographs, generally accompanied by limited text, to convey a news story or cover a specific event. A picture really can be worth a thousand words, especially in the digital age with decreasing attention spans and the rise of visual storytelling platforms and methods. If your content really is striking and words alone can’t describe it, then one option is to use photos in a timeline  Audio Radio was, and still is, a very popular medium when it comes to the consumption of news and entertainment. People still listen to it in their cars, at work, while commuting, and at the gym among other places. In many communities - such as those in southern African nations for example - radio is still the primary source of news. Digital has taken audio to a new level not only with digital radio stations but also through podcasts, from news, live commentary, pre and post-match discussions, analysis, and much more, and, of course, all accessible on your phone. Career Prospects in Sports Journalism PR Executive As a PR Executive you will You will be responsible to You will also have to be be responsible for generate positive news updated with the latest managing information for the sports trends, news and between businesses, organisation or club and updates where your organizations, a club, the spread them across organisation is being press and the public. various media channels. mentioned. Club Content Producer As a Club Content Producer, you will be responsible for various tasks. Nowadays, since most of the audiences consume content from online, social media, blogs, articles, etc., you will have to stay vigilant in maintaining the online presence of your organization. Whether it be curating videos, blogs, articles, interviews, match day programmes, marketing materials, etc., being an excellent writer and a creative thinker will help you to carry out this plethora of responsibilities. There are numerous sports fans who voraciously consume content directly from the club website. Hence, you will also have to manage player interviews, club announcements, and other related materials which will hold the attention of the fans.  Photographer There is a huge demand for good, professional Sports Photographers in all clubs. The images that you capture may have the capacity to make history and educate future players and fans for years to come. To become a professional Sports Photographer, you need to have a lot of patience, resilience, and dedication, as these qualities are going to be crucial along with your technical skills. Your editing skills also need to be at the best, so that they can be uploaded in a matter of minutes. Chief Sports Reporter In this job role, you have the In this role as a Chief Sports As a Reporter you will also prospect of even becoming a Reporter, you will help to help lead the team and National Sports Reporter, if dictate the news agenda maintain the standard of the you can show advanced and both in offline and online club or the organisation. consistent standard in your mode. organisation. Website Editor A Website Editor is probably one of the most important roles that you can take up in a sports club or organization. You will be responsible for maintaining the face of the organization. Along with that, you will also have the privilege of deciding what content will work for your organization. You will have full autonomy in deciding which content will bring in more engagement and page views to the website of your organization. As an Editor, you will also decide what will work best with the audience of the organization. Careers in Sports Media Writes articles and creates content for newspapers, websites, and magazines Sports Journalist about sports events, teams, and athletes. Delivers news and commentary on sports events through radio, television, and Sports Broadcaster online platforms. Manages the production and publication of sports-related content, including Sports Editor assigning stories, editing, and offering guidance to writers and journalists. Creates, edits, and produces videos related to sports, such as highlights, Video Content Coordinator interviews, and instructional videos. Manages social media accounts for sports teams, athletes, and broadcasters, Social Media Coordinator develops and executes social media strategies, and creates engaging content. Designs graphics and visuals for sports-related content, such as logos, posters, Sports Designer and animations. Promotes and markets sports events, teams, and products through various Marketing Manager or Assistant channels, including advertising, social media, and email marketing. Captures images of sports events and athletes for newspapers, websites, and Sports Photographer magazines. Write down 3 take away messages from today’s session