How to become a sports reporter

Is becoming a sports reporter right for me?

The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:

Overview
What do sports reporters do?

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How to become a Sports Reporter

Entering the field of sports reporting involves a mix of education, communication skills, and hands-on experience. The following steps outline a typical pathway for aspiring reporters:

  • Complete High School With Strong Writing And Reading Skills: Courses in English, journalism, and media studies provide a foundation for learning how stories are created and shared. Strong communication skills prepare students for the writing, interviewing, and reporting tasks they will face.
  • Pursue A Degree Or Diploma In Journalism Or Sports Communications: Programs in journalism, sports communications, or broadcast journalism teach reporting methods, media ethics, and how to work across print, digital, and broadcast platforms. These programs also help students develop research and fact-checking skills.
  • Gain Practical Experience Through Internships Or Student Media: Working with a school newspaper, campus radio, or local media outlet allows students to practice real-world reporting. These experiences also provide work samples that can be added to a professional portfolio.
  • Develop Specialized Sports Knowledge: Understanding rules, statistics, and team histories helps make coverage accurate and engaging. This knowledge also helps reporters connect with fans who follow specific sports closely.
  • Build A Professional Portfolio: Collect articles, videos, or recorded reports that demonstrate reporting skills. A strong portfolio shows employers the ability to deliver timely and accurate coverage.
  • Learn Digital And Technical Tools: Reporters use content management systems, editing software, and social media platforms to share stories efficiently. Being comfortable with these tools increases speed, quality, and reach in modern reporting.
  • Network And Seek Mentorship: Meeting professionals in the industry helps aspiring reporters receive advice, feedback, and potential job opportunities. Joining press associations or attending sports events can lead to valuable connections.
  • Pursue Ongoing Learning And Optional Certifications: Continuing education helps reporters stay updated on industry trends, tools, and professional standards. Optional certifications from recognized media organizations can strengthen credibility and support career growth.

Certifications
Certifications that support sports reporters focus on core reporting skills, ethics, multimedia work, and specialized training for complex stories, and they are offered by well-known journalism organizations or training programs. These certifications can help reporters strengthen their skills, build credibility, and expand opportunities in the field.

  • Investigative Reporters & Editors (IRE): IRE provides training, resources, and a supportive community for journalists who handle in-depth or complex stories. Sports reporters covering finances, governance, safety, or other investigative topics in sports can benefit from workshops, fellowships, and conferences offered by IRE.
  • Poynter Institute Certificates in Journalism: The Poynter Institute is recognized for professional development for journalists of all levels. It offers training and certification in reporting, editing, ethics, fact-checking, leadership, and multimedia storytelling, all of which are useful for sports reporters across print, broadcast, and digital platforms.
  • Poynter ACES Certificates in Editing: These certificates, offered in partnership with the American Copy Editors Society, help reporters improve their editing skills at Introductory, Intermediate, or Advanced levels. Each program includes a series of courses and a final assessment, providing practical skills for clearer, more accurate sports reporting.
  • National Institute for Computer-Assisted Reporting (NICAR): NICAR trains reporters to work with data, including analyzing statistics, public records, and other datasets. Sports reporters can use NICAR skills when reporting on team finances, league statistics, or other data-heavy stories.
  • Google News Initiative Training Certificate: The Google News Initiative provides training in digital tools, story verification, and online content creation. Sports reporters can use these skills to fact-check, create engaging digital stories, and share accurate information quickly across online platforms.