This post provides detailed information on the sports reporter job description, including the key duties, tasks, and responsibilities they commonly perform, as well as a template employers can use.
It also highlights the major requirements you may be expected to fulfill to be hired for the sports reporter role by most employers.
What Does a Sports Reporter Do?
A sports reporter is a professional who covers the world of sports events for different platforms, like print broadcast and online platforms.
The sports reporter job description entails conducting interviews with athletes and coaches, providing analysis on sports-related topics, writing articles and reports, and attending games.
It also involves reporting on sports-related issues, such as league controversies, team dynamics, and player injuries.
A sports reporter’s responsibilities can be as simple as writing articles, conducting basic interviews, and covering live events, or as complex as producing multimedia content across various platforms, investigative reporting on issues like doping or corruption, handling ethical dilemmas, and performing in-depth analysis.
They are also expected to develop a network of sources within the sports community and stay up-to-date with the latest news and trends in the sports world.
Sports reporters engage in a wide range of activities using tools and technologies, ranging from mobile live reporting tools, social media platforms, data analytics, software for writing, editing, and publishing, and key equipment for field reporting.
They may also be required to shape the public perception of athletes and sports organizations, and inspire young athletes by highlighting the hard work and dedication that goes into accomplishing success in the world of sports.
Sports reporters typically report to an editor who is usually the manager of the media company where they work.
The specific reporting structure can vary based on the organization, but the editor supervises their work, assigns stories, and ensures accuracy in their stories, and decides what content gets aired or published.
In larger media organizations, sports reporters typically report to a sports editor.
In-house reporters working for a sports organization within a specific team or league report to the manager of public relations or the director of communications.
Where Do Sports Reporters Work?
Sports reporters work mostly for agencies and organizations, such as press agencies, marketing agencies, and consulting departments, as well as digital and personal platforms, like social media and podcasts.
Sports Reporter Training
Although some sports reporters may pursue a Master’s degree, formal education for sports reporters usually requires a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, or in a related field.
A strong educational background offers important skills in reporting, writing, multimedia storytelling, and ethics, while internships are essential for gaining the experience employers seek.
Sports Reporter Job Description Example/Sample/Template
The sports reporter job description may consist of the following duties, tasks, and responsibilities, depending on where they work:
- Attend games, training sessions, and press conferences to report on live sporting events, including pre-game, during-game, and post-game coverage
- Report on sensitive issues within sports, such as sexism, racism, corruption, and doping in sports as required in investigative journalism
- Handle sensitive topics and rumors, and ensure accuracy, fairness, and balance while valuing privacy
- Provide exceptional analysis, insights, and commentary on player performance, sports events, and future trends
- Interview athletes, coaches, and other sports figures to get fashionable information, news stories, and features
- Build and maintain relationships with contacts in the sports industry to assist the collection of information
- Research, write, and edit articles, opinion pieces, game recaps, and feature stories for digital platforms or print to produce quality content
- Work in collaboration with editors, producers, other team members like journalists and photographers to create content and meet deadlines
- Work under pressure by balancing various assignments and delivering content quickly while maintaining high quality
- Create multimedia content for diverse platforms, including podcasts and videos, and maintain a solid social media presence
- Stay informed with the latest sports news, developments, and trends to ensure relevant and timely reporting
- Make use of basic quotes from interviews conducted on athletes and coaches to include uniqueness in a story
- Conduct deep and general research into player history, league developments, and the wider impact of sports on athletes’ health
- Craft compelling narratives and feature stories that go beyond the basic game report, and provide context through basic team history, statistics, and scores
- Post updates on ongoing events, and verify facts and sources to ensure the accuracy of all information presented.
Sport Reporter Requirements: Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities for Career Success
Sports reporters require certain skills, industry knowledge, and a number of personal attributes to be successful on the job and career, and to qualify for hiring by most recruiters/employers, including:
- Strong writing and storytelling skills to produce clear, engaging sports stories, game summaries, and features
- Knowledge of multiple sports and rules for providing accurate analyses, commentary, and context during reporting
- Excellent verbal communication skills for interviews, live reporting, and presenting sports updates
- Strong research skills for gathering facts, statistics, player history, and background information
- Interviewing skills for conducting effective interviews with athletes, coaches, and fans
- Attention to detail to ensure accurate reporting of scores, statistics, player names, and events
- Strong ability to meet tight deadlines, e.g. to publish stories immediately after games or breaking events
- Time management skills: Strong ability to juggle writing, interviews, editing, and travel schedules
- Ability to work under pressure, e.g. during live broadcasts, breaking news, or fast-paced sports events
- Observational skills: Ability to catch key moments, strategies, and turning points in games
- Proficiency with digital editing tools, including Adobe Premiere or Audacity, which is helpful for video/audio editing
- Ability to use newsroom content management systems (CMS) to upload articles, photos, and video clips
- Social media expertise for engaging audiences, sharing updates, and live-tweeting events
- Photo and video skills for capturing on-site footage and photos at sports events
- Knowledge of AP Style or journalistic writing standards for professional, consistent reporting
- Passion for sports for enthusiasm, engagement, and better storytelling
- Persistence and curiosity for digging deeper into stories and staying competitive
- Professionalism and ethics to maintain credibility and follow journalistic standards
- Networking skills: Ability to build relationships with athletes, teams, coaches, and media professionals
- Willingness to work outside regular business hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays
- Ability to travel frequently to attend games, tournaments, press conferences, and interviews
- Physical stamina for long hours on the field, standing, carrying equipment, and traveling
- Valid passport (for international sports reporting)
- Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, English, or a related field
- Courses in sports journalism or media studies (recommended)
- Internships at media houses or sports organizations for hands-on experience and portfolio development
- Ability to obtain press pass/press credentials (required for events).
Sports Reporter Job Description Template
Here is sports reporter job description template employers can edit and use in their job postings to attract the best sports reporters to their organizations:
Position Title: Sports Reporter
Reports To: Editor / Sports Editor / News Director
Location: [Your Company Location]
Employment Type: Full-Time or Part-Time
Company Overview
[Your Company Name] is a dynamic media organization dedicated to delivering timely, accurate, and engaging sports coverage for audiences across print, digital, and broadcast platforms. Our newsroom values creativity, integrity, teamwork, and journalistic excellence. We are committed to covering local, national, and global sports stories that matter to our audience.
Position Overview
We are seeking a passionate, detail-oriented, and deadline-driven Sports Reporter to join our editorial team. The ideal candidate has a strong knowledge of various sports, excellent storytelling skills, and the ability to produce compelling content across multiple formats — including written articles, digital posts, interviews, and multimedia stories.
This role requires attending sporting events, interviewing athletes and coaches, conducting research, and writing timely stories that inform, engage, and entertain readers.
Key Responsibilities
Reporting & Writing
- Cover sporting events, games, press conferences, and related activities.
- Write clear, engaging, and accurate stories for print, digital, and social platforms.
- Produce game recaps, feature stories, profiles, analyses, columns, and breaking news reports.
- Meet tight deadlines while maintaining high editorial standards.
Interviewing & Research
- Conduct interviews with athletes, coaches, team officials, and fans.
- Research stats, trends, history, and background details to support storylines.
- Verify facts, cross-check information, and maintain accuracy in all reporting.
Multimedia & Digital Content
- Capture photos, videos, or audio clips when necessary.
- Create digital-friendly content for websites, social media, and online publications.
- Collaborate with multimedia teams on visuals, graphics, and video packages.
Event Coverage
- Attend local, regional, or national sporting events as assigned.
- Provide live updates, commentary, or social media coverage during events.
- Build relationships with sports organizations, teams, and league representatives.
Collaborative Support
- Work closely with editors, producers, and fellow reporters on story planning.
- Pitch sports stories, ideas, and coverage concepts during editorial meetings.
- Support special projects, series, and long-form investigations.
Skills & Qualifications
- Proven experience as a sports reporter, journalist, or writer (published clips required).
- Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
- Excellent knowledge of a wide range of sports, rules, statistics, and trends.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet daily deadlines.
- Strong interviewing, research, and fact-checking skills.
- Competence with digital publishing tools, CMS platforms, and social media.
- Photography, videography, or multimedia experience is a plus.
- Ability to travel and work flexible hours (evenings, weekends, game days).
Education & Experience Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, English, Sports Media, or a related field preferred.
- A portfolio of published sports stories is required.
- Experience in a newsroom, media outlet, or sports coverage environment is strongly preferred.
Eligibility to Work in the United States
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship now or in the future.
Work Environment
- Fast-paced newsroom and field reporting environment.
- Frequent travel to sporting venues, events, and interviews.
- Requires standing, walking, and working outdoors in various weather conditions.
- Tight deadlines and irregular hours, especially during sports seasons.
Equal Opportunity Statement
[Your Company Name] is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any legally protected category.
Additional Information
- This job description outlines general responsibilities and may not include all duties.
- Responsibilities may be adjusted based on newsroom needs or editorial priorities.
- Reasonable accommodations available for qualified individuals with disabilities.
- Pre-employment background checks or writing tests may be required.
How to Apply
Applicants should submit their resume, cover letter, and a portfolio with 3–5 sports writing samples to [Insert Application Email or Link].
Sport Reporter Job Description for Resume
If you have worked before as a sports reporter or are presently working in that role and are making a resume or CV for a new job, then you can create a compelling Professional Experience for your resume by applying the sample sports reporter job description provided above.
You can express the duties and responsibilities you have carried out as a sports reporter in your resume’s Professional Experience by utilizing the ones provided in the above sports reporter job description example.
This will show to the recruiter/employer that you have been successful working as a sports reporter, which can boost your chances of getting the new job, especially if it requires someone with some sports reporting work experience.
Conclusion
This post has provided detailed coverage of the sports reporter job description, highlighting the major responsibilities and duties that they typically perform.
It is helpful to individuals interested in the sports reporting career, to boost their knowledge about the role.
Employers needing to make a detailed and effective job description for the sports reporter position will also find this article useful.
They can apply the sports reporter job description template provided on this page in creating one for their organizations for use in hiring a competent sports reporter.
