What does a sports writer do?

What is a Sports Writer?

A sports writer is someone who delivers engaging and informative news on sports to readers of blogs, websites, newspapers, or magazines. They may work directly for a publishing company or freelance and syndicate their stories to a variety of news outlets. Some sports writers specialize in coverage of one sport, such as basketball or football, while others cover all the news on athletic competition in their region. Regardless of the type of sport covered, writers must use their creativity to excite and engage readers while writing content that is always factual, current and accurate.

What does a Sports Writer do?

A sports writer will do whatever is necessary to write exciting content for fans of the sport they cover. This may mean traveling to games, researching current events in the sport, making contacts to obtain insider information or tracking down sources. Unlike the brief information given during television news, written media must be detailed, in-depth and offer reasons for why a team won or lost. Because of this distinction, writers must dig very deep for information not found elsewhere and analyze subjective aspects of the game in order to deliver successful content.

After long hours spent collecting news and information about a competition, writers return to their home or office and combine that content to create an article. Typically, modern writers use a laptop to type out their articles. Some publications require writers to adhere to a specific format while others allow more creative freedom. Freelance writers are not held to these requirements, but must still ensure that the content is both entertaining and correct.

The sports writing career is very competitive. Sports writers often compete with others in their region to publish information first, thereby gaining the loyalty of a fan base hungry for information. In addition, many newspapers are downsizing and cutting staff, thereby creating more competition in this career field. However, with an ever-expanding media market, which now includes both commercial and personal blogs, writers have more opportunities than ever to secure a position in the industry.

Some sports writers cross over into other forms of media, such as television, radio and podcasts. They may write content for these shows or, if they show an aptitude, become talk show personalities themselves.

What is the workplace of a Sports Writer like?

Sports writers employed by a newspaper or magazine typically work in an office. Because of the fact that writing can be done from anywhere and articles can be e-mailed in to meet deadlines, some companies allow their sports writers to telecommute. Freelance writers often have a home office used exclusively for their job.

Whether employed at a large corporation or writing news independently, one requirement of all sports writers is travel. In order to track down stories and gather accurate information, they must physically attend sporting events. Sometimes these events are held locally, but games are also held across the region or country. Sports writers may even travel internationally for coverage of the olympics, international football competitions and other events.

Due to the amount of travel and flexibility inherent in their jobs, almost all sports writers have sporadic and unreliable schedules. Games are often scheduled at night, so writers don't come to the office until the afternoon, when they typically take time to meet with publishers and editors to receive their assignments. They also spend a substantial amount of time on the phone, staying in contact with coaches, managers and athletes. Writers also work holidays and weekends, a time rife with activity in the athletic industry.