Sports news is the type of information that focuses on events and people surrounding a particular sport. It includes the history of a sport, current standings, and other important details such as statistics and quotes. Incorporating these elements helps paint a picture of a live event for readers who aren’t able to attend and keeps them engaged.
In addition to providing in-depth analysis, sports news writers also strive to add a personal element. This can include sharing stories about how a player or team became interested in their sport, their motivations to succeed, and other personal aspects that make the athletes human. These stories are often more popular with audiences than a simple game summary.
Increasingly, social and political issues are making their way into sports news. One example is the BBC’s long feature on how athletes have used their platform to protest racial injustice in America and abroad. While this trend is still in its early stages, it provides opportunities for sports journalists to go deeper with their writing and create a lasting impact on their audience.
Many successful sports writers start out with a passion for the game and a unique writing style. They use their skills to establish a following on social media and turn that into a career in the industry. A graduate degree in journalism from a school like St. Bonaventure University can help develop these attributes and prepare students to excel in this dynamic field.