Sports Reporter

Sports reporters gather appropriate information, write and share sports news. This type of reporting typically happens quickly as sporting news unfolds. These professionals often attend sporting events and interview athletes, coaches and other sports figures.

Sports reporters spend a significant amount of time in the field covering events. A previous sports background, including participating as an athlete, can provide greater employment opportunities. Sports reporters may work for local or national television companies, newspapers, radio stations or online organizations.

Sports reporters generally hold at least a bachelor’s degree in a related area, and some of these specialty reporters have minors or additional degrees in sports-related areas. Most commonly, a sports reporter earns a bachelor’s degree in a relevant area of study, such as journalism or communications. A master’s or doctorate in journalism provides for greater job opportunities and higher levels of income.

Sports Reporter Job Description

Sports reporters respond to current sporting events including game scores and outcomes, player injuries, sports personalities, changes in team structure and other related topics. Like journalism professionals, sports reporters must check their facts and report the most current information available.

Sports reporters work varied hours depending on their employer. They typically work weekends when many sporting events take place, and many sports reporters employed by local television stations work late to report on the last news of the evening. Attendance at sporting events also dictates the hours of this profession.

Sports reporters may have any of the following duties:

• Report on current sporting news.
• Attend sporting events and observe for the news report.
• Write up detailed notes concerning details about sporting events.
• Interview sports personalities including athletes and coaches.
• Fact check details related to sports news reports.

Enthusiasm for the sports industry and the skills to communicate effectively as a news reporter are vital qualities of a successful sports reporter. The ability to networking among sports professionals improves opportunities for success.

Sports Reporter Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this profession could see a small decline in opportunity through 2018. Jobs are expected to more readily available in smaller or local television and other news media. Sports reporting positions in national companies are much more competitive.

The Department of Labor notes the average salary for a sports reporter is over $34,000 per year. Salaries range from around $20,000 to over $53,000 per year.