Sports Journalism: An Introduction to Reporting and Writing

The second edition of Sports Journalism: An Introduction to Reporting and Writing has passed the test of time, been used in classrooms internationally, received approval and praise from professors and students, and now it, too, has moved into the new environment of sports media. New chapters on social media and topical issues in the sports world, as well as fresh examples and new references to current technology fill its pages whether you choose to read from a tablet, a Smartphone, a Chromebook or old-fashioned paper wrapped in a cardboard cover.

Inside this new edition you’ll find

• Three new chapters devoted to the evolution from a daily news source to a 24/7 news cycle.
• Interviews with journalists whose circulation is measured in the number of Twitter followers he or she has.
• A chapter encouraging discussion of ethical issues affecting today’s athletes: Should college athletes be paid to compete? Can play be too violent? Is there a level playing field for men and women? How should eligibility be determined for athletes who may be transitioning their gender identity?
• A glossary that includes terms such as ‘hot takes,’ ‘scrum,’ ‘trolls.’

Kathryn T. Stofer is professor emeritus at Hastings College and co-author of the secondary text “Journalism Matters” with James Schaffer and Randall McCutcheon. She is active in developing college and high school journalism curricula and has frequently lectured on censorship and student freedom of expression.



James R. Schaffer is professor of journalism at Nebraska Wesleyan University. The winner of several teaching awards, he has also worked as an advertising director, writing and designing print and television advertising. He is author of Hit ‘em with your Handbag, a story of how four friends fought gender stereotypes and helped their team win a college football championship.



Brian A. Rosenthal is a writer and creative content specialist for the University of Nebraska athletic department, where he writes about all Husker athletics. He’s a former sports writer at the Lincoln Journal Star, where he covered University of Nebraska football and men’s basketball, and has won journalism/sports writing awards from the Nebraska Press Association and the Nebraska Associated Press. He is prominent on social media, with more than 27,000 followers on Twitter, @GBRosenthal, and makes guest appearances on area television and radio shows.