Sports coverage is the writing, photography and broadcasting of sports-related news and events. This can include a team’s successes and failures, its players and coaches, the latest controversies surrounding the sport, as well as historical analysis of the sport. Sports journalism also includes a wide range of social media activity and blogging.
The field of sports journalism remained fairly stable until the 1980s, when cable television began to appear and allowed for development of national sports networks such as ESPN, which revolutionized sports broadcasting in 1979. Cable allowed for more frequent broadcasting of lesser-watched sports, as well as for greater coverage of college sports (including high school championships) and other niche sports such as soccer, lacrosse, golf, tennis, motorsports and combat sports.
Ethical considerations underpin sports coverage, requiring responsible reporting that avoids sensationalism and protects the privacy of athletes. Effective media relations professionals facilitate this process, by promoting transparency and integrity as a means of reinforcing trust between the public and athletes.
To be a successful sports journalist, you must be familiar with the rules of each particular sport, and be able to write clearly. It is important to understand your sport’s jargon, but it should be used sparingly in your articles, so readers can follow the story and feel engaged. Study the sports pages of other newspapers to see how they format their news stories, and try to emulate the writing style that works best. Be sure to keep up with the latest in technology for sports, as streaming and digital platforms are transforming how fans experience live broadcasts.