Sports reporting as a concept is relatively new to me. I did not start following any sports closely until I started following college football in the Fall of 2015. Since then, my mid has opened up to the world of major collegiate and professional sports immensely.
Following sports closely has also opened my mind to the tedious, yet necessary work of reporters who follow the game closely. These reporters have to know the game and team they follow better than almost anyone else. They have to remove their bias from their favorite team or sport and they have to have access to be closer to them game.
I have also learned that modern sports reporting is not limited to a single medium. Many reporters have to have expertise in writing, social media, video production, and much more.
Journalists are also held to higher standard than the average sports fan. Sports writers have to use facts and statistics to present their information. The public relies on the trustworthiness of journalists to provide accurate quotes from players and coaches.
Despite these higher journalistic expectations, sports reporting is appealing to me. I like the idea of being connected to the game and being challenged to be unbiased and accurate when I write.
If a journalist requires access to be successful, then getting that access is what appeals to me the most. I like seeing journalists on the sideline of a basketball game or in the press box for a football game. Getting to cover a sport from a different side of the game seems to be a unique opportunity that many do not get to experience.
Though I have not had the pleasure of covering a live sporting event as a writer yet, I hope to learn more about accurate reporting and improving my skills, so I may be able to one day.
Matthew Covers Sports 