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What does a Sports Reporter do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A sports reporter is a journalist who covers sporting events and writes articles about them. They may work for a newspaper, magazine, website, or television station.

Sports Reporter job duties include:

  • Researching, writing and editing stories
  • Pitching story ideas to editors
  • Taking photographs or videos to accompany stories
  • Attending sporting events to gather information and material for stories
  • Interviewing athletes, coaches and other people involved in sports
  • Analysing sporting performances and trends
  • Keeping up to date with developments in the world of sport
  • Generating ideas for new and innovative stories
  • Building relationships with sources within the sporting world
  • Working to deadlines

Sports Reporter Job Requirements

A sports reporter is someone who covers sporting events for a news organization. In order to be a sports reporter, you will need at least a bachelor's degree in journalism or a related field. You will also need to have some experience working in the field of journalism, as well as some knowledge of the sport you will be covering. Certification from the National Sports Journalists Association is also helpful, but not required.

Sports Reporter Skills

  • Flexible
  • Creative
  • Observant
  • Patient
  • Thick-skinned
  • Good listener
  • Quick thinker
  • Excellent writing skills
  • Confident
  • Enthusiastic
  • Knowledgeable in sport

Related: Top Sports Reporter Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Sports Reporter

A sports reporter is someone who covers sporting events for news outlets. They typically have a background in journalism and have a keen interest in sports. If you’re thinking about becoming a sports reporter, here are a few things you should know.

First, it’s important to get a degree in journalism or a related field. This will give you the basic skills you need to be a successful reporter. You should also consider interning at a local news station or sports organization. This will give you valuable experience and help you make connections in the industry.

It’s also important to be knowledgeable about the sports you’re covering. Keep up with the latest news and developments in the world of sports. This will make you a more credible reporter and help you better understand the stories you’re covering.

Finally, don’t be afraid to hustle. Sports reporting is a competitive field, so it’s important to be proactive in your career. Network with other reporters and try to land interviews with big-name athletes or coaches. The more experience you have, the better your chances of landing a job as a sports reporter.

Related: Sports Reporter Resume Example

Related: Sports Reporter Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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