The Essentials of Sports Reporting and Writing

In The Essentials of Sports Reporting and Writing, authors Scott Reinardy and Wayne Wanta employ their own professional experience as sports writers and editors to give students a useful and practical view of the sports writing profession. The text is divided into readily digestible sections, covering essential topics such as types of stories; background and preparation; interviewing; the beginning stages of writing; and conclusion writing.

Through real-life examples, readers learn the in-and-outs of writing columns, advances and follows, sidebars, profiles, and features, as well as the stylistic and ethical considerations that go into writing sports content.

New to the second edition are:

• "Professional Perspectives" where working sports journalists give their insiders’ look at the work they do.
• A chapter on the intricacies of international event reporting
• A chapter providing an honest view of what life as a sport journalist entails.

A companion website also accompanies the text. It includes supplemental materials for students and pedagogical support for instructors, including slide presentations, quizzes, and sample assignments.

Intended for journalism students planning a career in sports reporting, this text offers key insights on the practical and personal aspects of the work.

Scott Reinardy is a professor and Associate Dean for Graduate Studies at the University of Kansas. Since 2005, has received eight top research paper awards among national and international journalism and mass communications organizations. Elected the inaugural chair for the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication’s Sports Interest Group, 2010-2011.

Wayne Wanta is a professor and chair of the Department of Journalism at the University of Florida. He is internationally known for his research in political communication and media effects, with more than 150 refereed publications and convention papers. He has lectured and delivered research presentations in 40 different countries. He also has authored or co-authored four books.