Chapter 3:
Though there are a lot of interesting points made, there are a few that stand out more than others. The largest element of this chapter is how to navigate social media as a reporter. In today’s world, social media presence is definitely important, and it also happens to be a great way to share news quickly. Whether this is through a live video, a quick post, or a Q&A , there are many ways to keep readers/followers invested in what you have to share. Since many people want to get quick updates that are easy to access, social media is a great way for a reporter to update their fans. The other big element of this chapter is how to balance both the writing and reporting aspects. Actual reporters share how they make sure to keep their readers updated in a timely manner, and what steps it takes to complete each task without overloading. The only question I have about this chapter is, at what point did social media become such an important site for information? How quickly did consumers switch from actual news to social media platforms?
Chapter 4:
The most interesting part of this chapter is how much reporters have to pay attention to how their readers perceive them. They’re unable to be too biased when it comes to which team they are rooting for. There needs to be a professional level of indifference, but somehow also more discussion about their team of choice. It is a difficult balance to make sure that the audience is happy/upset with the story and not the reporter. Not only do reporters have to balance this, but they must also balance how much research they have to do in order to provide a story. This chapter discusses the hours of researching sports jargon, preparing in depth questions on the fly based on event outcomes, and discovering ways to make each story different that these reporters have to do before they even write a report. As difficult as this all sounds, this chapter breaks down how to go about each one of these concepts, but most of it has to be learned as you go. I do wonder, with all the stories reporters have to write, what are the key ways to keep each report fresh and interesting?
In Chapter 3, Navigating Social Networks, I found two elements especially interesting. First, how a reporter’s career now depends heavily on platforms like X (Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok for updates, fan engagement, and branding. This struck me because my dad has told me stories about when he was younger, updates came through sports news broadcasts, newspapers, or magazines, and if you missed a game, you had to wait for a replay or highlights. Now, social media has completely reshaped access to information. This is important because it shows how the role of a sports journalist has expanded beyond reporting to maintaining an active digital presence. It adds a new level of immediacy that feels exciting but also daunting.
Second, I enjoyed how the book explained in-depth ways to use social media to your advantage. The book gave practical examples under the live sports section, such as telling your audience your plans, live-posting, and using hashtags to increase reach. These strategies are important because they turn social media into a professional tool rather than just a distraction, allowing reporters to connect with audiences in real time. I also thought the mention of AI tools was ironic and insightful, especially their usefulness in transcribing, generating podcast ideas, or developing pitches.
Question: How can sports journalists balance the pressure to constantly post with the need to prioritize accuracy and thoughtful reporting?
In Chapter 4, Covering the Game, two elements stood out to me. First was the section “Prepare, Prepare, Prepare,” which emphasized how essential preparation is in sports reporting. The book explained that reporters should read all relevant local sources, know the vital statistics of both teams, and familiarize themselves with the people they are covering. I thought this was important because sports journalism happens in such a fast-paced environment. Having strong background knowledge not only makes reporting smoother in the moment but also ensures accuracy and structure under tight deadlines. Preparation is the foundation that allows a reporter to adapt quickly when unexpected moments happen during a game.
Second, I found “Highlights and Heroics” really interesting. This section stressed the use of descriptive language in reporting—not just listing statistics, times, and scores, but also telling a story. This is important because fans don’t just want information; they want to relive the emotions of the game. Vivid, immersive writing keeps audiences engaged and makes the reporting memorable.
Question: When covering professional events like golf, where reporters have access to a press tent with food, TVs, and limited need to leave except for small interviews, how does this environment affect the depth and quality of their reporting?
In Chapter three the author talks about possible what rules reporters could follow when posting online. Examples such as using discretion so as to not offend anyone. Make sure your news is correct and there are reliable sources. As well as trying to stay positive in your posts and replies as well as remaining unbiased. Some reporters will try to stir the pot by using hot takes. Hot takes can be some of the most attention grabbing posts with some reporters putting outlandish takes for engagement and drama starting.
Secondly in Chapter 3 another interesting element that I found was about the rise in popularity in Esports. Video games are one of the biggest markets in the world, so to make competitive video games as a sport is a great idea. Just in the US over 200 university have made Esports into a varsity sport. At Nebraska they hired former Packers RB Ahman Green to help lead their varsity sports team.
How do sports reporters deal with big days like trade deadlines?
In Chapter 4 the author talks about the importance of pre game reports. A pre game report will give out information on both teams like their injury report, depth chart, previous games played, and their record. Sports writer Steve Sipple is quoted as saying “It’s the only time when I’m able to relax and have fun while I familiarize myself with an athlete or issue.” Pre game reports are done by the reporter reading facts that are already known to be true, they don’t have to go searching for sources, or ask questions, or get any answers they might not be ready for.
As well as in chapter four telling a difference between using normal sports terms and using cliches. Most sports writers especially in baseball use normal sports terms like “walk-off”, “bull-pen”, “pitchout”, and many more. The author writes about how using these terms is often expected of a writer. But on the other hand using cliches like “Split the uprights” or “Nail-biter” is just using recycled and over said terms.
How do announcers and reporters get around using words that might be seen as unprofessional or played out?
Something I found interesting in chapter 3, titled “Navigating Social Networks,” was the opening paragraph. It makes an interesting connection between newspaper carriers throwing papers at your door and social media. It is just an interesting way to view the evolution of paper news to the entirely digital world of news today. As many years ago, people would ride bikes around your neighborhood and throw the daily newspaper on your doorstep before you wake up so you could catch up on the news. Today the first thing many people do is open their phones moments after they wake up is instinctually look at social media sites such as “X”. Another thing I found interesting was Kevin Van Valkenburgs quote about getting into the sports media world. “Breaking into media now is a bit like getting a career as a musician, you have to be hungry, you have to grind and there is no guarantees”. He recommended not waiting for opportunities because they may never come. Instead, you should establish yourself as someone worth following by using tools like social media to create a brand for yourself. As someone who is interested in being in sports media this was a good piece of advice.
In Chapter 4, “Covering the Game” gave an interesting thought about Dave Portnoy that I thought was important to being as successful as he is. The author claims that those who cover sports are prone to sometimes making outrageous claims. As someone who consumes a lot of sports media, the most successful make some of the most outrageous claims. This is because it gets people talking about you, even if it makes people mad. Bad publicity is better than no publicity. However, this can’t be taken too far, especially depending on what your job within media is, because then credibility issues can arise. Another notable part of this chapter was the “Pregame Tips” paragraph. The author states “do not let your advances serve as sedatives for your readers, in fact, make it give them the opposite effect”. Its about finding a unique angle of the game you are covering, not just laying out the same boring information like the location or starting players. Craft a story with things like the significance of the match-up and the history of the two teams.
One element I really enjoyed while reading chapter three was the talk of the use of AI. Fader mentions how she once saw a sign during the Hollywood writers’ strike that really hit her. The sign read, “Your robot doesn’t have my trauma.” And I could not agree more. AI lacks the emotional depth of a human. Sure AI can write something you want to hear. But it certainly cannot make you feel. Another element I found interesting being discussed was strategies for networking. Social media can be used as a great method for networking. She shines a spotlight on the platform X, which used to be known as Twitter and how it has become the most useful tool for making connections. She adds how simple it is to send a direct message to someone and receive a quick response rather than going to a public setting searching for someone.
This chapter talks on the new issue of sports fans changing. The internet has blurred the line between professional journalists and a typical sports fan. But it’s the advantage and lack of access that is able to differentiate the two. Professionals will be allowed inside access to information that isn’t out to the public. Once it is released, fans will take that information to then blog about it on social media. Fans have a way of getting the word out in a quicker fashion. Something else that caught my attention this chapter was all the tips given to help writers prepare for advance stories. One of those tips include doing plenty of research before the game. Finding out as much background information as you can will be very helpful in the future. You also want to get to know the people you will be covering. This is crucial for reporting.
One element I really enjoyed while reading chapter three was the talk of the use of AI. Fader mentions how she once saw a sign during the Hollywood writers’ strike that really hit her. The sign read, “Your robot doesn’t have my trauma.” And I could not agree more. AI lacks the emotional depth of a human. Sure AI can write something you want to hear. But it certainly cannot make you feel. Another element I found interesting being discussed was strategies for networking. Social media can be used as a great method for networking. She shines a spotlight on the platform X, which used to be known as Twitter and how it has become the most useful tool for making connections. She adds how simple it is to send a direct message to someone and receive a quick response rather than going to a public setting searching for someone.
This chapter talks on the new issue of sports fans changing. The internet has blurred the line between professional journalists and a typical sports fan. But it’s the advantage and lack of access that is able to differentiate the two. Professionals will be allowed inside access to information that isn’t out to the public. Once it is released, fans will take that information to then blog about it on social media. Fans have a way of getting the word out in a quicker fashion. Something else that caught my attention this chapter was all the tips given to help writers prepare for advance stories. One of those tips include doing plenty of research before the game. Finding out as much background information as you can will be very helpful in the future. You also want to get to know the people you will be covering. This is crucial for reporting.
UPDATED RESPONSE 2.0 (first time was a fail):
One element I really enjoyed while reading chapter three was the talk of the use of AI. Fader mentions how she once saw a sign during the Hollywood writers’ strike that really hit her. The sign read, “Your robot doesn’t have my trauma.” And I could not agree more. AI lacks the emotional depth of a human. Sure AI can write something you want to hear. But it certainly cannot make you feel. Another element I found interesting being discussed was strategies for networking. Social media can be used as a great method for networking. She shines a spotlight on the platform X, which used to be known as Twitter and how it has become the most useful tool for making connections. She adds how simple it is to send a direct message to someone and receive a quick response rather than going to a public setting searching for someone.
Chapter four talks on the new issue of sports fans changing. The internet has blurred the line between professional journalists and a typical sports fan. But it’s the advantage and lack of access that is able to differentiate the two. Professionals will be allowed inside access to information that isn’t out to the public. Once it is released, fans will take that information to then blog about it on social media. Fans have a way of getting the word out in a quicker fashion. Something else that caught my attention this chapter was all the tips given to help writers prepare for advance stories. One of those tips include doing plenty of research before the game. Finding out as much background information as you can will be very helpful in the future. You also want to get to know the people you will be covering. This is crucial for reporting.
The first element I thought was important was when she was talking about how it was hard to find a student who would want to help her transcribe and then that’s when she was pointed in the direction of ai. For one of her books she interviewed 260 people. She states that she tried to hire students but they didn’t last more than a week because it isn’t an easy job. I think that speaks volumes to how difficult the job can be. In the time she needed help the most a friend showed her about a transcription service and she said it saved her life. She says she used it in about 50 interviews. I think this also shows how impactful ai has been to humans in all different paths of life.
Another element that is important is how she uses social media to update her followers on sports. People use social media all day everyday, so you posting about sports on social media and getting the correct audience to see your posts will allow your following to grow. The first step she does is to let people know her plan and when she will arrive at the event and how she will be posting updates throughout. She wants to provide some sort of analysis or information her followers may not know. It is important to also engage the followers to make sure you keep their attention and answer any questions they may have. The last thing is to make sure you are using professional language and remembering that every post is representing the brand you are making. I think social media is such a big part of everyday life so it is important to use the resources we have.
Chapter 4
The first element that was really important is that as a reporter,it is very important for you to be at the game. The press conference interviews by the players gives you a suspenseful feeling and that’s why people love hearing the stories. The stories make you feel like you are a part of the game. I think being present at these crazy and interesting games also allows you to see the environment, reactions, and feelings of every player and fan at the game. I think seeing all that will help later down the line when you are creating that story rather than not being there. Being there adds a different type of presence to the story which will help build the better story.
Another important element is how a reporter should be prepared to interview and have good information to talk about. As a reporter you want to look for things your competitor doesn’t have. You want to first read all the relevant and important information. This may help you find different angles that you can use. You want to know the team’s vital statistics so that you already have an understanding and idea of how the game might play out and might be something you can say in the interviews. Going to the practices and actually getting to know the players you are interviewing is key. You want them to be comfortable talking to you and giving you key information, so you must get to know them and allow them to become comfortable with you. You want to build a good relationship so they feel comfortable coming to you with story ideas. You should be prepared to ask them specific questions to get the information needed for a genuine story.
When reading chapter three there were multiple elements that were talked about that I thought were interesting. The first one is branding in sports journalism. As Mirin Fader points out, building credibility comes more from strong reporting than follower counts. Social media can help visibility, but it isn’t a shield against layoffs or failure. This matters because it reminds young journalists that lasting careers are built on quality work, not just online popularity. For me this is important because it reminds young journalists that lasting careers are built on quality work, not just online popularity although there could be a correlation between the two. Another important element is the challenge of satisfying your social media audience. Reporters must deliver relevant updates and analysis while also facing backlash, skepticism, or trolling. Jardy’s experience covering soccer shows that audience trust must be earned through consistent and knowledgeable reporting. These elements highlight the dual challenge of modern sports journalism: producing meaningful work while navigating the 24/7 pressures and scrutiny of social media.
Q: Should sports journalists prioritize building their brand or focusing solely on reporting quality?
The same goes for chapter 4. While reading chapter 4 I felt as if I connected more with this chapter than the other. One interesting element is the idea of a new kind of sports reporter. The example of Dave Portnoy’s golf stunt illustrates how sports media is shifting toward personalities, blogs, and mobile journalists (mojos) who can blog, film, and engage audiences across multiple platforms. This matters because it shows how sports journalism is expanding beyond traditional print writing and into a digital-first world where entertainment and coverage often overlap. Another important element is the emphasis on preparation before writing. Michael Wilbon stresses that strong reporting comes from research, statistics, anecdotes, and specific questions that go beyond clichés. This is vital because prepared journalists uncover unique angles and avoid generic stories, making their work stand out. Together, these elements highlight how the profession demands both adaptability to new media forms and traditional journalistic accuracy.
Q: Does the rise of “mojos” risk blurring journalism with entertainment?
In Chapter 3 one thing that stood out to me was when Fader talked about how social media and partly AI can be tools for Journalism. She talks about how you can use social media for networking as opposed to socializing. She also talks about how you should be building your brand through your stories as opposed to on social media. I didn’t necessarily think about a journalist’s “brand” this way before and it’s interesting how she puts it. She talks about how journalists get laid off all the time no matter how many followers they have and how followers aren’t a shield like they used to be. My question for this chapter would have to do with the AI that Fader briefly talks about. She says she’s not worried about AI because it can’t replicate the human experience, but do you think AI will slowly take over some parts of journalism?
Chapter 4:
Two sections that stood out to me in Chapter 4 were “Prepare, Prepare, Prepare” and “Pregame Tips”. In the preparation section I thought it was interesting how it talked about gathering stats for the game. Knowing vital statistics can give you insights into how the game might play out as well as interesting points to talk about. I think this only makes knowing the sport you’re writing about so much more important. If you’re covering football it’s easy to talk about win/loss percentages but if you can understand third down conversion/stop percentages and the turnover battle you have so much more substance to talk about. Above all else that was my big takeaway for pregame preparation. As for the pregame tips section, I thought it included a good outline for what should be in your pregame advance. It talks about including the significance of the matchup, who the coaches are, key players/statistics, the series/matchup history, and where to find the live video. My question for this chapter would be do you consider sports reporters like Dave Portnoy or Pat McAfee to be sports journalists?
Chapter 3 talks about how much the world of social media has changed sports reporting and the way stories are now told. Instead of relying on newspapers like we used to, sportswriters usually gain traction and credibility through Twitter. The author gives an example of Mirin Fader using social media not only to promote his stories but to also network and find other opportunities for himself. The chapter also dives into the grind of it all, showing it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Transcribing interviews, constantly pitching new ideas, debates, it’s a lot. With social media now playing a big role in sports journalism, it’s now important for journalists to engage in personal branding, were in a world now where followers and online presence matters almost as much as what these journalists are writing. Back then it was newspapers, accuracy, and deadlines, now it’s almost like trying to become a celebrity.
While reading through chapter 4 what stood out to me the most was how much the job of sports reporting has evolved over the years. Chapter 4 shows that a good sports writer doesnt just share who wins and loses on a nightly basis, its more than that, they put the reader into the perspective like they were actually at the game themselves. Its interesting how writers and reporters have to balance accuracy and their own creativity to try and compete with other media outlets. The chater highlights dave Portnoy and Barstool sports being able to influence thesports media landscape without even being trained reporters or writers. I was also surprised with the amount of preparation that goes into being a reporter. Knowing all the numbers, the stats, the history, and storylines in advance just to write a quick article really shows the amount of work these writers and reporters put in to their work
In chapter three, one of the interesting elements that was talked about was by Mirin Fader, a senior staff writer for the Ringer, and she talked about as a sports journalist, she had very deep concerns about AI. She talked about how many jobs in the sports world, including broadcasters and statisticians would be affected in a major way with the introduction of AI and how much it has taken over. I feel that although AI has made a huge impact in many ways, but I still think that reporting and writing on real stories that reporters see, with all that can go on in a certain practice or game can be a lot better than just asking a robot of some sort to report on something that’s most likely not accurate. I feel that being able to report on your own stories with being present at a certain sporting event can go a long way with reporting your story.
14 thoughts on “JOURNAL # 2”
Chapter 3:
Though there are a lot of interesting points made, there are a few that stand out more than others. The largest element of this chapter is how to navigate social media as a reporter. In today’s world, social media presence is definitely important, and it also happens to be a great way to share news quickly. Whether this is through a live video, a quick post, or a Q&A , there are many ways to keep readers/followers invested in what you have to share. Since many people want to get quick updates that are easy to access, social media is a great way for a reporter to update their fans. The other big element of this chapter is how to balance both the writing and reporting aspects. Actual reporters share how they make sure to keep their readers updated in a timely manner, and what steps it takes to complete each task without overloading. The only question I have about this chapter is, at what point did social media become such an important site for information? How quickly did consumers switch from actual news to social media platforms?
Chapter 4:
The most interesting part of this chapter is how much reporters have to pay attention to how their readers perceive them. They’re unable to be too biased when it comes to which team they are rooting for. There needs to be a professional level of indifference, but somehow also more discussion about their team of choice. It is a difficult balance to make sure that the audience is happy/upset with the story and not the reporter. Not only do reporters have to balance this, but they must also balance how much research they have to do in order to provide a story. This chapter discusses the hours of researching sports jargon, preparing in depth questions on the fly based on event outcomes, and discovering ways to make each story different that these reporters have to do before they even write a report. As difficult as this all sounds, this chapter breaks down how to go about each one of these concepts, but most of it has to be learned as you go. I do wonder, with all the stories reporters have to write, what are the key ways to keep each report fresh and interesting?
In Chapter 3, Navigating Social Networks, I found two elements especially interesting. First, how a reporter’s career now depends heavily on platforms like X (Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok for updates, fan engagement, and branding. This struck me because my dad has told me stories about when he was younger, updates came through sports news broadcasts, newspapers, or magazines, and if you missed a game, you had to wait for a replay or highlights. Now, social media has completely reshaped access to information. This is important because it shows how the role of a sports journalist has expanded beyond reporting to maintaining an active digital presence. It adds a new level of immediacy that feels exciting but also daunting.
Second, I enjoyed how the book explained in-depth ways to use social media to your advantage. The book gave practical examples under the live sports section, such as telling your audience your plans, live-posting, and using hashtags to increase reach. These strategies are important because they turn social media into a professional tool rather than just a distraction, allowing reporters to connect with audiences in real time. I also thought the mention of AI tools was ironic and insightful, especially their usefulness in transcribing, generating podcast ideas, or developing pitches.
Question: How can sports journalists balance the pressure to constantly post with the need to prioritize accuracy and thoughtful reporting?
In Chapter 4, Covering the Game, two elements stood out to me. First was the section “Prepare, Prepare, Prepare,” which emphasized how essential preparation is in sports reporting. The book explained that reporters should read all relevant local sources, know the vital statistics of both teams, and familiarize themselves with the people they are covering. I thought this was important because sports journalism happens in such a fast-paced environment. Having strong background knowledge not only makes reporting smoother in the moment but also ensures accuracy and structure under tight deadlines. Preparation is the foundation that allows a reporter to adapt quickly when unexpected moments happen during a game.
Second, I found “Highlights and Heroics” really interesting. This section stressed the use of descriptive language in reporting—not just listing statistics, times, and scores, but also telling a story. This is important because fans don’t just want information; they want to relive the emotions of the game. Vivid, immersive writing keeps audiences engaged and makes the reporting memorable.
Question: When covering professional events like golf, where reporters have access to a press tent with food, TVs, and limited need to leave except for small interviews, how does this environment affect the depth and quality of their reporting?
In Chapter three the author talks about possible what rules reporters could follow when posting online. Examples such as using discretion so as to not offend anyone. Make sure your news is correct and there are reliable sources. As well as trying to stay positive in your posts and replies as well as remaining unbiased. Some reporters will try to stir the pot by using hot takes. Hot takes can be some of the most attention grabbing posts with some reporters putting outlandish takes for engagement and drama starting.
Secondly in Chapter 3 another interesting element that I found was about the rise in popularity in Esports. Video games are one of the biggest markets in the world, so to make competitive video games as a sport is a great idea. Just in the US over 200 university have made Esports into a varsity sport. At Nebraska they hired former Packers RB Ahman Green to help lead their varsity sports team.
How do sports reporters deal with big days like trade deadlines?
In Chapter 4 the author talks about the importance of pre game reports. A pre game report will give out information on both teams like their injury report, depth chart, previous games played, and their record. Sports writer Steve Sipple is quoted as saying “It’s the only time when I’m able to relax and have fun while I familiarize myself with an athlete or issue.” Pre game reports are done by the reporter reading facts that are already known to be true, they don’t have to go searching for sources, or ask questions, or get any answers they might not be ready for.
As well as in chapter four telling a difference between using normal sports terms and using cliches. Most sports writers especially in baseball use normal sports terms like “walk-off”, “bull-pen”, “pitchout”, and many more. The author writes about how using these terms is often expected of a writer. But on the other hand using cliches like “Split the uprights” or “Nail-biter” is just using recycled and over said terms.
How do announcers and reporters get around using words that might be seen as unprofessional or played out?
Something I found interesting in chapter 3, titled “Navigating Social Networks,” was the opening paragraph. It makes an interesting connection between newspaper carriers throwing papers at your door and social media. It is just an interesting way to view the evolution of paper news to the entirely digital world of news today. As many years ago, people would ride bikes around your neighborhood and throw the daily newspaper on your doorstep before you wake up so you could catch up on the news. Today the first thing many people do is open their phones moments after they wake up is instinctually look at social media sites such as “X”. Another thing I found interesting was Kevin Van Valkenburgs quote about getting into the sports media world. “Breaking into media now is a bit like getting a career as a musician, you have to be hungry, you have to grind and there is no guarantees”. He recommended not waiting for opportunities because they may never come. Instead, you should establish yourself as someone worth following by using tools like social media to create a brand for yourself. As someone who is interested in being in sports media this was a good piece of advice.
In Chapter 4, “Covering the Game” gave an interesting thought about Dave Portnoy that I thought was important to being as successful as he is. The author claims that those who cover sports are prone to sometimes making outrageous claims. As someone who consumes a lot of sports media, the most successful make some of the most outrageous claims. This is because it gets people talking about you, even if it makes people mad. Bad publicity is better than no publicity. However, this can’t be taken too far, especially depending on what your job within media is, because then credibility issues can arise. Another notable part of this chapter was the “Pregame Tips” paragraph. The author states “do not let your advances serve as sedatives for your readers, in fact, make it give them the opposite effect”. Its about finding a unique angle of the game you are covering, not just laying out the same boring information like the location or starting players. Craft a story with things like the significance of the match-up and the history of the two teams.
One element I really enjoyed while reading chapter three was the talk of the use of AI. Fader mentions how she once saw a sign during the Hollywood writers’ strike that really hit her. The sign read, “Your robot doesn’t have my trauma.” And I could not agree more. AI lacks the emotional depth of a human. Sure AI can write something you want to hear. But it certainly cannot make you feel. Another element I found interesting being discussed was strategies for networking. Social media can be used as a great method for networking. She shines a spotlight on the platform X, which used to be known as Twitter and how it has become the most useful tool for making connections. She adds how simple it is to send a direct message to someone and receive a quick response rather than going to a public setting searching for someone.
This chapter talks on the new issue of sports fans changing. The internet has blurred the line between professional journalists and a typical sports fan. But it’s the advantage and lack of access that is able to differentiate the two. Professionals will be allowed inside access to information that isn’t out to the public. Once it is released, fans will take that information to then blog about it on social media. Fans have a way of getting the word out in a quicker fashion. Something else that caught my attention this chapter was all the tips given to help writers prepare for advance stories. One of those tips include doing plenty of research before the game. Finding out as much background information as you can will be very helpful in the future. You also want to get to know the people you will be covering. This is crucial for reporting.
UPDATED RESPONSE:
One element I really enjoyed while reading chapter three was the talk of the use of AI. Fader mentions how she once saw a sign during the Hollywood writers’ strike that really hit her. The sign read, “Your robot doesn’t have my trauma.” And I could not agree more. AI lacks the emotional depth of a human. Sure AI can write something you want to hear. But it certainly cannot make you feel. Another element I found interesting being discussed was strategies for networking. Social media can be used as a great method for networking. She shines a spotlight on the platform X, which used to be known as Twitter and how it has become the most useful tool for making connections. She adds how simple it is to send a direct message to someone and receive a quick response rather than going to a public setting searching for someone.
This chapter talks on the new issue of sports fans changing. The internet has blurred the line between professional journalists and a typical sports fan. But it’s the advantage and lack of access that is able to differentiate the two. Professionals will be allowed inside access to information that isn’t out to the public. Once it is released, fans will take that information to then blog about it on social media. Fans have a way of getting the word out in a quicker fashion. Something else that caught my attention this chapter was all the tips given to help writers prepare for advance stories. One of those tips include doing plenty of research before the game. Finding out as much background information as you can will be very helpful in the future. You also want to get to know the people you will be covering. This is crucial for reporting.
UPDATED RESPONSE 2.0 (first time was a fail):
One element I really enjoyed while reading chapter three was the talk of the use of AI. Fader mentions how she once saw a sign during the Hollywood writers’ strike that really hit her. The sign read, “Your robot doesn’t have my trauma.” And I could not agree more. AI lacks the emotional depth of a human. Sure AI can write something you want to hear. But it certainly cannot make you feel. Another element I found interesting being discussed was strategies for networking. Social media can be used as a great method for networking. She shines a spotlight on the platform X, which used to be known as Twitter and how it has become the most useful tool for making connections. She adds how simple it is to send a direct message to someone and receive a quick response rather than going to a public setting searching for someone.
Chapter four talks on the new issue of sports fans changing. The internet has blurred the line between professional journalists and a typical sports fan. But it’s the advantage and lack of access that is able to differentiate the two. Professionals will be allowed inside access to information that isn’t out to the public. Once it is released, fans will take that information to then blog about it on social media. Fans have a way of getting the word out in a quicker fashion. Something else that caught my attention this chapter was all the tips given to help writers prepare for advance stories. One of those tips include doing plenty of research before the game. Finding out as much background information as you can will be very helpful in the future. You also want to get to know the people you will be covering. This is crucial for reporting.
https://eglynos.uneportfolio.org/journal-entries/
Jayden Thornton
Sports Reporting & Writing
Chapters 3 & 4
Chapter 3
The first element I thought was important was when she was talking about how it was hard to find a student who would want to help her transcribe and then that’s when she was pointed in the direction of ai. For one of her books she interviewed 260 people. She states that she tried to hire students but they didn’t last more than a week because it isn’t an easy job. I think that speaks volumes to how difficult the job can be. In the time she needed help the most a friend showed her about a transcription service and she said it saved her life. She says she used it in about 50 interviews. I think this also shows how impactful ai has been to humans in all different paths of life.
Another element that is important is how she uses social media to update her followers on sports. People use social media all day everyday, so you posting about sports on social media and getting the correct audience to see your posts will allow your following to grow. The first step she does is to let people know her plan and when she will arrive at the event and how she will be posting updates throughout. She wants to provide some sort of analysis or information her followers may not know. It is important to also engage the followers to make sure you keep their attention and answer any questions they may have. The last thing is to make sure you are using professional language and remembering that every post is representing the brand you are making. I think social media is such a big part of everyday life so it is important to use the resources we have.
Chapter 4
The first element that was really important is that as a reporter,it is very important for you to be at the game. The press conference interviews by the players gives you a suspenseful feeling and that’s why people love hearing the stories. The stories make you feel like you are a part of the game. I think being present at these crazy and interesting games also allows you to see the environment, reactions, and feelings of every player and fan at the game. I think seeing all that will help later down the line when you are creating that story rather than not being there. Being there adds a different type of presence to the story which will help build the better story.
Another important element is how a reporter should be prepared to interview and have good information to talk about. As a reporter you want to look for things your competitor doesn’t have. You want to first read all the relevant and important information. This may help you find different angles that you can use. You want to know the team’s vital statistics so that you already have an understanding and idea of how the game might play out and might be something you can say in the interviews. Going to the practices and actually getting to know the players you are interviewing is key. You want them to be comfortable talking to you and giving you key information, so you must get to know them and allow them to become comfortable with you. You want to build a good relationship so they feel comfortable coming to you with story ideas. You should be prepared to ask them specific questions to get the information needed for a genuine story.
When reading chapter three there were multiple elements that were talked about that I thought were interesting. The first one is branding in sports journalism. As Mirin Fader points out, building credibility comes more from strong reporting than follower counts. Social media can help visibility, but it isn’t a shield against layoffs or failure. This matters because it reminds young journalists that lasting careers are built on quality work, not just online popularity. For me this is important because it reminds young journalists that lasting careers are built on quality work, not just online popularity although there could be a correlation between the two. Another important element is the challenge of satisfying your social media audience. Reporters must deliver relevant updates and analysis while also facing backlash, skepticism, or trolling. Jardy’s experience covering soccer shows that audience trust must be earned through consistent and knowledgeable reporting. These elements highlight the dual challenge of modern sports journalism: producing meaningful work while navigating the 24/7 pressures and scrutiny of social media.
Q: Should sports journalists prioritize building their brand or focusing solely on reporting quality?
The same goes for chapter 4. While reading chapter 4 I felt as if I connected more with this chapter than the other. One interesting element is the idea of a new kind of sports reporter. The example of Dave Portnoy’s golf stunt illustrates how sports media is shifting toward personalities, blogs, and mobile journalists (mojos) who can blog, film, and engage audiences across multiple platforms. This matters because it shows how sports journalism is expanding beyond traditional print writing and into a digital-first world where entertainment and coverage often overlap. Another important element is the emphasis on preparation before writing. Michael Wilbon stresses that strong reporting comes from research, statistics, anecdotes, and specific questions that go beyond clichés. This is vital because prepared journalists uncover unique angles and avoid generic stories, making their work stand out. Together, these elements highlight how the profession demands both adaptability to new media forms and traditional journalistic accuracy.
Q: Does the rise of “mojos” risk blurring journalism with entertainment?
Chapter 3:
In Chapter 3 one thing that stood out to me was when Fader talked about how social media and partly AI can be tools for Journalism. She talks about how you can use social media for networking as opposed to socializing. She also talks about how you should be building your brand through your stories as opposed to on social media. I didn’t necessarily think about a journalist’s “brand” this way before and it’s interesting how she puts it. She talks about how journalists get laid off all the time no matter how many followers they have and how followers aren’t a shield like they used to be. My question for this chapter would have to do with the AI that Fader briefly talks about. She says she’s not worried about AI because it can’t replicate the human experience, but do you think AI will slowly take over some parts of journalism?
Chapter 4:
Two sections that stood out to me in Chapter 4 were “Prepare, Prepare, Prepare” and “Pregame Tips”. In the preparation section I thought it was interesting how it talked about gathering stats for the game. Knowing vital statistics can give you insights into how the game might play out as well as interesting points to talk about. I think this only makes knowing the sport you’re writing about so much more important. If you’re covering football it’s easy to talk about win/loss percentages but if you can understand third down conversion/stop percentages and the turnover battle you have so much more substance to talk about. Above all else that was my big takeaway for pregame preparation. As for the pregame tips section, I thought it included a good outline for what should be in your pregame advance. It talks about including the significance of the matchup, who the coaches are, key players/statistics, the series/matchup history, and where to find the live video. My question for this chapter would be do you consider sports reporters like Dave Portnoy or Pat McAfee to be sports journalists?
Chapter 3 talks about how much the world of social media has changed sports reporting and the way stories are now told. Instead of relying on newspapers like we used to, sportswriters usually gain traction and credibility through Twitter. The author gives an example of Mirin Fader using social media not only to promote his stories but to also network and find other opportunities for himself. The chapter also dives into the grind of it all, showing it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Transcribing interviews, constantly pitching new ideas, debates, it’s a lot. With social media now playing a big role in sports journalism, it’s now important for journalists to engage in personal branding, were in a world now where followers and online presence matters almost as much as what these journalists are writing. Back then it was newspapers, accuracy, and deadlines, now it’s almost like trying to become a celebrity.
While reading through chapter 4 what stood out to me the most was how much the job of sports reporting has evolved over the years. Chapter 4 shows that a good sports writer doesnt just share who wins and loses on a nightly basis, its more than that, they put the reader into the perspective like they were actually at the game themselves. Its interesting how writers and reporters have to balance accuracy and their own creativity to try and compete with other media outlets. The chater highlights dave Portnoy and Barstool sports being able to influence thesports media landscape without even being trained reporters or writers. I was also surprised with the amount of preparation that goes into being a reporter. Knowing all the numbers, the stats, the history, and storylines in advance just to write a quick article really shows the amount of work these writers and reporters put in to their work
Question for Journal 2: Where is the line crossed when making outrageous claims for more publicity that it affects your credibility?
Khalil Cook
Journal 2
In chapter three, one of the interesting elements that was talked about was by Mirin Fader, a senior staff writer for the Ringer, and she talked about as a sports journalist, she had very deep concerns about AI. She talked about how many jobs in the sports world, including broadcasters and statisticians would be affected in a major way with the introduction of AI and how much it has taken over. I feel that although AI has made a huge impact in many ways, but I still think that reporting and writing on real stories that reporters see, with all that can go on in a certain practice or game can be a lot better than just asking a robot of some sort to report on something that’s most likely not accurate. I feel that being able to report on your own stories with being present at a certain sporting event can go a long way with reporting your story.