Sports news is a form of journalism that reports on sporting events, and competitions. It is a popular genre of journalism that has resulted in the creation of sport-only media, such as ESPN and Sports Illustrated. Sports journalism encompasses a range of journalistic topics, from play-by-play and game recaps to analysis and investigative reporting on important developments in the world of sport.
As with any article, sports articles require a specific blend of structure and style to engage readers. There are a number of key methods and “do’s” that can help writers master the art of sports writing, regardless of their experience level. These methods include crafting compelling leads, integrating relevant sources, and employing vivid language.
In addition, one of the most important elements of any sports story is to tell a story. The best way to do this is through interviews. Whether it is a rags-to-riches parable, or a fairy tale, or a thriller, or a cautionary tale, sports stories should be told in a manner that evokes excitement and interest.
In many cases, this is the only way that sports journalists can truly capture a sense of the atmosphere of an event. However, interviewing can be challenging. Coaches have the ability to restrict access to reporters, and can even deny interviews with their players if they feel that an article is negative. This is known as the silent treatment, and while it doesn’t fall under the censorship umbrella, it can still have a chilling effect on open reporting.