Given the change in the sports journalism industry, I thought it would be beneficial to look at the problem of its future.

It’s no secret that anyone could start a blog, podcast, or website for their sports opinion or analytics. The problem arises through the topic of analytics.  Technology today allows users to track anything from the exit velocity of a baseball after it had been hit to the “CORSI” rating that basically summarizes and tells the importance of a hockey player when on the ice.

The issue with the CORSI is that with players that have played over 60 games, the top 3 positions are held by Calgary Flames players and they didn’t even make the playoffs.

Not only does analytics go a little too far from the purist’s “eye-test” but it is ruining sports journalism as a whole.  The bigger problem is that there are little personality and character in sports media’s talent and this is an opportunity for young journalists that are reading this should realize.

Whether teachers in school or parents have told you, if you want to get a job or have an opportunity for an interview, you should do something that sets yourself apart.  Furthermore, the direction of sports journalism should not be looked at as obstacles but as an advantage that you can use to hone your craft.  As a result, I have recognized 3 things that will land you that job in sports media.

1. Personality

Going along with what I said earlier, no one wants a stats robot spitting out facts. It gets redundant, boring, and most of it means nothing as I said about the Calgary Flames. You may not be the most knowledgeable anchor but if you have personality, you will go far in your career. A perfect example is where ESPN is at.  They had to fire more than half of their staff of sports gurus and the ones left are analysts viewers can connect with or provide more than statistics.

2. Humor

This is a trend that has been emerging and if you know how tomato people laugh will surely land you a job.  Stu Gotz from The Dan Lebatard Show, PFT Commenter and Dan Katz from Pardon My Take, and Scott Van Pelt all went against the grain and have been a very successful journalist and voices in sports.

Just listen and study the formula these individuals go by if you want to understand what I’m talking about.

3. A different perspective

Looking at something from a different point-of-view makes listeners or viewers focus on whatever take you have no matter how right or wrong it is in the future.

Not to be confused with the “hot take” trend that is being phased out of the industry, you want to have an in-depth knowledge that you can pick apart the game so far as to provide your audience with something different.

 

So you should ask yourself, what skill or trait do you have that sets yourself apart from others?