This column represents the thoughts and opinions of Jason Hennington. This is NOT the opinion of the Taylor Press.
In some career fields, it’s easy to be intimidated by someone who does the same job as you. Journalism is one of those fields.
Not intimidated because you think they are going to take your job, but physiologically, a reporter or photographer might think, “Are they better than I am?”
In the same vein, many journalists talk to others to get new ideas on how to report on different subjects.
If you watch Around the Watercooler, the most must-see weekly sports wrap up show in all the land, you saw five additional reporters this week at the table with me and Quincy.
These were sports reporters from other newspapers under the Granite Media Partners umbrella. It was a sportswriter round table discussion.
It’s not hard to get sports reporters to talk about sports. This round table was more about how their markets differ, their coverage strategies and just sports in general.
Generally, sports are sports and there are not a lot of ways to cover a game. However, during our discussion, I learned that is assumption is wrong.
Coming from the general news/lifestyles side of journalism, it was a learning experience for me. Early in my career, I was specifically a photographer, mostly sports. I can cover a game, but I never felt I had some of the spark and liveliness of the guys at the table.
Every writer has their own style, which determines how they write articles. Some writers spend more time talking to athletes, while some talk more to coaches. All of our sports reporters make sure they have a relationship with parents. That seems like an important general rule for anyone who writes about students.
The age range and years of experience also contributed to the conversation. Younger reporters are more versed with social media. That doesn’t mean more seasoned veterans don’t know how to use social media, but it might take a little longer to learn Facebook, Instagram, Snap Chat, TikTok or any other app that’s on your phone. Reporters with more
Reporters with more experience can look at a stat book and make the reader feel like they were in the stands at the game.
All of those skills are vital to being a reporter. Relationships, evolving with technology, and taking nothing and turning it into something of value are characteristics of a good reporter.
I don’t think anyone who was a part of the discussion felt any intimidation at the table. There may have been a thought of “Is he covering his team better than I am?”
The following thought was probably, “I’m going to try that at my paper.”
This round table session was a networking opportunity and a place to just talk sports from the news side. Visit the Taylor Press Facebook page to watch it.
I’m going to get off my soapbox now and watch game two of the NBA finals. Prior to, I’m still promoting the ninth annual Taylor Press 3-on-3 basketball tournament July 9-10.
“Sportswriters have changed more than sports writing.”
— Dick Schaap
