What is the difference between sports journalism and sports communication?

It is not unusual for students considering a career in sport to be concerned about the area they wish to specialise in. Sports journalism courses and sports communication degrees often seem a good option but they can lead to different career choices.

If you are just beginning to look at undergraduate courses and want one which has a dedicated sports journalism module, you can find some online such as that offered by https://schoolofjournalism.co.uk/journalism-courses/sports/.

Sports Journalism

If you are looking to forge a career writing or presenting about sport, some career paths can include TV presenting, radio show hosting or writing for the print media or one of the many online outlets looking for contributors. You will need to be able to engage with professional participants in the sports you wish to report on and with officials at clubs or involved in the administration of the sport.

Always remember when choosing a course that you give yourself the best chance of success by studying on an NCTJ-accredited course.

Sports Communication

If you are considering a Sports Communication qualification, this could open more doors, as potential employers offer different services to the sports industry. You may still want to report on sporting events and this qualification will not bar you from doing so, but it does offer the opportunity to look at other professional positions which still involve close contact with sport.

There are opportunities to enter the PR world representing sporting organisations or even sports agencies which represent individual sports people, some of which are multinational organisations offering the chance to travel.

Alternatively, communication directors are tasked with ensuring that messages from the organisation they act for both externally and internally are clear and effective. Finally, many sports organisations have realised the importance of social media and employ staff to engage with the public and their supporters, raising the profile of the company and individuals within it such as star players.

Either type of course will prepare you for a career in sport, whether you are looking at pure journalism or a related career.