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6 things you need to know about sports journalism
1. About sports journalism
Sport is at the centre of the boom in media industries. Newspaper, magazine, online, television and radio coverage of sport is greater than ever before.
Sports journalism is now a multi-skilled vocation requiring professionals who can communicate with a diverse audience. The subject provides a link between three areas:
- practical journalism, for example, shorthand skills
- sport/journalism studies which include a critical introduction to sport journalism
- power and politics in the media in relation to sport
2. Skills and experience
Sports journalists have a strong interest in sport and excellent communication skills. They need a high level of competence in English language (sentence construction, grammar, spelling, punctuation).
3. Entry level qualifications
A wide range of qualifications is acceptable for entry onto a degree course. Competition for places is intense and a minimum of 300 UCAS points is required in Sussex.
4. Opportunities for sports journalists
Career opportunities include newspaper, magazine, web, radio and television journalism, as well as associated roles in public relations and media management in sport and leisure organisations.
The sports media industry is a growing employment sector and a number of opportunities are advertised within Sussex. Competition for posts means that employers can select from a large volume of applicants. Opportunities to work in journalism are often located in London as well as on a regional basis. This situation is unlikely to change in the near future so you need to realise the importance of developing a very 'employable' skills profile.
5. Where you can study
University of Brighton - BA (Hons) in Sports journalism
This course is the only BA (Hons) in Sports Journalism in the country to be accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ). Students have the opportunity to graduate with the NCTJ Certificate in Newspaper Journalism - the recognised professional qualification in the journalism profession.
