Sports Media

Sports media is the defining commercial and cultural connection for the sports journalism and digital media industries. While sports continue to garner massive audiences and advertising revenue to the media, sports coverage has become the product that drives audience interaction and interest in sports.

There are a wide variety of jobs that you can get with a Sports Media degree. Some include, but are not limited to:

• Sports Editor
• Public Relations manager
• Photographer
• Sports Analyst
• TV Announcer
• Sports Information Specialist

Sports Media is an ideal major for students who want experience in writing, photography, editing, broadcasting, and other media production skills while developing a robust knowledge of the sports industry. Sports Media students at Butler gain a well-rounded education in sports history, live sports production, journalism, and more.

Many universities offer degrees in journalism, communications, and media that can prepare students with the transferable skills to cover and produce sports events. Butler stands out by offering a Sports Media degree, the only degreed program of its kind in Indiana and one of only a handful of in the Midwest. This unique major integrates education in broadcasting, journalism, digital production, announcing, and more with courses specifically for students looking to work in a sports context.

A career in sports media can look like covering sports in news publications, radio, or broadcasting, working as a commentator or announcer for games, producing media surrounding sports events, and a wide variety of other roles.

Sports management tends to be more business-oriented, concerned with the operations and promotion of sports events. Sports media is more focused on the communications and coverage of sports, keeping audiences engaged through messaging, visuals, and other media.

Sports journalism is a competitive field due to the specialized nature of the job. The difficulty can vary depending on the role you’re looking for and where you want to work. Look for opportunities in cities with a strong sports culture: for example, Indianapolis is home to the NCAA, Indianapolis Colts, Indiana Fever, Indiana Pacers, and the Indy 500, to name a few.

Earning a Sports Media or similar degree can set you up for success in landing your first job in the sports industry. You’ll want to graduate with a strong portfolio and an advanced understanding of sports coverage, communication, and your ideal media outlets. Gaining experience in your favorite sports media niche while networking with others in the industry is key to a promising career in sports media.