Blog

What I have learned from my first term as a student sports journalist.

My first term as a student sports journalist has been a big learning curve. Not only have I learnt things about the industry but also about myself. I hope these will carry me through the rest of the year but also across the three-year course and life itself. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at university so far and have also overcome personal challenges.

Before starting the course, I only had a rough idea on what would be in store. Despite the obvious such as reporting and photography, I didn’t expect to learn so much about the industry itself. Law and ethics stands out as a module that didn’t even cross my mind at the beginning of term. Now looking back, it seems like such an obvious thing to learn about.

I would say as an addition to practical work, the law and ethics module is where I have learnt the most. There are so many things you can and can’t do as a journalist, which blew my mind whilst learning. As a journalist you must think differently to as you would in your day to day life. This was a real eyeopener for me. During my time learning about the law and ethical side of journalism I have learnt a lot about myself. In some cases, my morals overpower, and I don’t think like a journalist. There are things that a journalist can and would do that I would never consider doing. During my time at university I hope to develop the skill of thinking like a journalist.

Looking at the practical side of the course I have learnt so much. From the photography, to reporting, to podcasting. Despite having an A level in photography, stepping into the photography lecture was like a whole new world for me. Sports photography is very difficult. However, I have learnt so much regarding the technical side. I now know about the aperture, shutter speed and the depth of field.

On this course I am essentially learning on the job. We are fortunate to have several opportunities to practice what we learn in lectures. This will be a big factor to my success as a sports journalist. Every week I have the opportunity to report on BUCS games at the USW Sports Park. Not only does this develop my writing skills but also helps my confidence. I have learnt that I can write match reports despite thinking I wouldn’t be able to. Seeing my work be published on Expo has helped significantly with my confidence.

The same could be said when considering podcasts. I knew this element would be the most challenging for me. I knew confidence would be my biggest enemy during university. The thought of being on the radio or on a podcast terrified me. To my surprise, making a podcast was one of my favourite things this term. I hope to continue creating podcasts. Next term I hope to continue to learn more skills and enhance on what I have learnt in this first term. I am determined to take up more opportunities to develop my reporting skills by going to matches outside of the BUCS games.