Sports Journalism: An Introduction to Reporting and Writing

(Hardback, Third Edition)

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Description

Sports Journalism combines decades of on-the-field reporting and in-the-classroom teaching to present the most comprehensive and contemporary playbook for student journalists. The third edition features expanded coverage of social media, writing and interviewing skills, as well as discussions on race and gender in the world of sports.

Two new authors, Steve Schaffer and Amie Just, join the third edition with stories and insights from their nonstop lives as sports journalists. Since todays sportswriters are often also bloggers, videographers, commentators, talk show anchors and webmasters, the authors have filled the book with the technologies and techniques they use across their many roles.

Chapters provide exercises for practicing concepts and skills as well as discussion prompts about contemporary issues in sports.

Features:
New chapters on social media and on building relationships with sources, colleagues and media contactsInterviews with journalists whose success is measured by their many, many followersDiscussion questions that get students talking about issues like paying collegiate athletes, violence in sports and its long-term physical and mental effects on players and equality issues on and off the fieldAn expanded glossary that includes terms such as hot takes, scrum and trollsWriting tips for journalistic style including how to use numbers and statistics accurately and effectivelyHelpful examples on interview techniquesDiscussion of legal terms that apply to published workPromotion of the ethical standards set forth by the American Sports News Editors and the Society of Professional Journalists

Reviews

This book provides rich tools and a wealth of knowledge for aspiring sports journalists who want to understand the field and become more proficient at sports writing, including interviewing, drafting stories and describing sports effectively. -- Laura Franey, Millsaps College
The most thorough delineation of the mechanics of sports writing is encompassed in this excellent work. But just as importantly, if not moreso, is the emphasis on how the best sports writing conveys the social and cultural context within the games sports writers report on; and the depth and variability of human behavior by those who play, and those who witness their play. -- Al Barkow, Former editor of Golf Magazine, Author of USGA Book Award winner Gettin to the Dance Floor: An Oral History of American Golf
A detailed, readable walk through the world of sports journalism for beginners to advanced college students investigating their potential future in the field. -- Warren Kozireski, SUNY Brockport

Author Bio

James R. Schaffer is professor emeritus of journalism at Nebraska Wesleyan University.
Steve Schaffer has worked in sports information at UCLA, the University of Nebraska and California Lutheran.
Amie Just is a sports journalist assigned to the Nebraska Cornhuskers for the Lincoln Journal Star.
Kathryn T. Stofer is professor emeritus of communication arts at Hastings College.