It's always good to hear from someone who wants to become a sports journalist, so if you want to get in touch then please do. In the meantime, below are some answers to a few popular questions I’m often asked with regard to the industry.
What education is needed to become a sports journalist?
It's important to have a good education, mainly because employers realise you are willing and capable of working to a high standard. I did GCSE's (14-16 years old), A Levels (16-18 years old) and then went on to do a degree (18-21 years old). However, I wasn't at the top of my classes, as my grades reflected. For example, at A levels I achieved a C and two E's. You might think English would be vital. You need to have good writing skills but I only achieved a C in English Literature and English Language at GCSE's and have not taken English since. In fact, I did Economics as a degree, which has little relevance to becoming a sports journalist. The point I'm trying to get across is, you don't have to do a media studies degree to make the grade in journalism. It helps, but your success is more down to your attitude and desire to want to become a journalist.
What types of qualities do media companies look for when hiring a sports journalist?
Employers want someone who can do the job, with little fuss, lots of passion and plenty of ideas. If you show them you are a professional they will hire you.
What is an average salary of a sports journalist?
They obviously vary from around £11,000 upto a lot more, depending on the industry, company, location, full time, part time etc. But generally speaking, radio journalists are the least well paid (with probably longer hours). Freelance journalists can do very well, because it's possible to go to one event and write or broadcast for a number of different companies. For example, whilst working for TFM radio station covering Middlesbrough games I also did reports for IRN (the radio network equivalent of ITN) and quotes pieces for an internet firm called SoccerAge.com.
What are the good things about being a sports journalist?
It's great to see your name in a newspaper, magazine or on a website, or be heard on radio and tv. But it's not just that - you also have the opportunity to watch a sporting event and be paid for it.
Who are the biggest and best sportsmen who’ve ever met?
The opportunity to meet some of the biggest stars in world sport is a fantastic thrill. How many of your friends have said to you 'I had a chat with David Beckham the other day, he’s such a nice bloke'? Not many! I've said that to my friends. I’ve also met and interviewed Michael Schumacher, Sir Steve Redgrave, Sir Matthew Pinsent, Paul Gascoigne, Steven Gerrard, Lee Westwood, David Gower, Martin Johnson, Gordon Banks and the late Sir Bobby Robson + many more.
What are the bad things about being a sports journalist?
It's sometimes difficult to stop being a journalist - in other words it's hard to separate work from relaxation time. I go to work, write about sport, talk about sport and then go home and... watch sport!
What is a daily schedule of a sports journalist?
Once again it can vary from industry to industry and from sport to sport, but you work most, if not all, weekends because that's when sporting events normally take place. Weekdays can also be long, particularly if you cover mid-week football matches.
If you could give someone one piece of advice, what would it be?
Always try to keep learning.
'Success' only comes before 'Work' in the dictionary.
What education is needed to become a sports journalist?
It's important to have a good education, mainly because employers realise you are willing and capable of working to a high standard. I did GCSE's (14-16 years old), A Levels (16-18 years old) and then went on to do a degree (18-21 years old). However, I wasn't at the top of my classes, as my grades reflected. For example, at A levels I achieved a C and two E's. You might think English would be vital. You need to have good writing skills but I only achieved a C in English Literature and English Language at GCSE's and have not taken English since. In fact, I did Economics as a degree, which has little relevance to becoming a sports journalist. The point I'm trying to get across is, you don't have to do a media studies degree to make the grade in journalism. It helps, but your success is more down to your attitude and desire to want to become a journalist.
What types of qualities do media companies look for when hiring a sports journalist?
Employers want someone who can do the job, with little fuss, lots of passion and plenty of ideas. If you show them you are a professional they will hire you.
What is an average salary of a sports journalist?
They obviously vary from around £11,000 upto a lot more, depending on the industry, company, location, full time, part time etc. But generally speaking, radio journalists are the least well paid (with probably longer hours). Freelance journalists can do very well, because it's possible to go to one event and write or broadcast for a number of different companies. For example, whilst working for TFM radio station covering Middlesbrough games I also did reports for IRN (the radio network equivalent of ITN) and quotes pieces for an internet firm called SoccerAge.com.
What are the good things about being a sports journalist?
It's great to see your name in a newspaper, magazine or on a website, or be heard on radio and tv. But it's not just that - you also have the opportunity to watch a sporting event and be paid for it.
Who are the biggest and best sportsmen who’ve ever met?
The opportunity to meet some of the biggest stars in world sport is a fantastic thrill. How many of your friends have said to you 'I had a chat with David Beckham the other day, he’s such a nice bloke'? Not many! I've said that to my friends. I’ve also met and interviewed Michael Schumacher, Sir Steve Redgrave, Sir Matthew Pinsent, Paul Gascoigne, Steven Gerrard, Lee Westwood, David Gower, Martin Johnson, Gordon Banks and the late Sir Bobby Robson + many more.
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What are the bad things about being a sports journalist?
It's sometimes difficult to stop being a journalist - in other words it's hard to separate work from relaxation time. I go to work, write about sport, talk about sport and then go home and... watch sport!
What is a daily schedule of a sports journalist?
Once again it can vary from industry to industry and from sport to sport, but you work most, if not all, weekends because that's when sporting events normally take place. Weekdays can also be long, particularly if you cover mid-week football matches.
If you could give someone one piece of advice, what would it be?
Always try to keep learning.
'Success' only comes before 'Work' in the dictionary.
Good luck, Steve.
For more advice visit http://www.footballcommentator.org/
If you’re interested in talking to The Sports Journalist about working in the sports media industry, it couldn’t be easier to get in touch.
Contact number inside the UK: 0777 579 1986.
Contact number outside the UK: (+44) 777 579 1986.
E-mail: stevejackson@thesportsjournalist.com
TSJ looks forward to hearing from you.