It has been quite a ride through the first 10 editions of Under Further Review. We've talked with people whose coverage is a product of Drexel University and whose coverage is one for national consumption. Some of them freelance, some are full-time writers, some are editors. 10 different perspectives on the sports journalism sphere. But what did we learn?
Who was represented?
Nine different media outlets were represented over the first 10, with Sports on Earth being the only duplicate. And even with Sports on Earth, one was a full-time writer (Patrick Hruby) and one was a freelancer in his only post for the outlet (Greg Hanlon).
We had progressive sports media from Think Progress (Travis Waldron). We had alternative city newspapers and freelancers (Max Blau). We had college newspaper editors (Adam Herman), and we had a college student interning at the Daily News (Andrew Albert). We had two guys start their very own and very different college hoops sites (Aaron Bracy and Josh Verlin). We had a social media editor (Kami Mattioli), and we had a soccer beat writer (Dave Zeitlin).
All incredibly different perspectives.
Repeated advice
If you want to be a writer, you have to write. Sounds simple, yet so many inspiring writers of any and all ages miss the point
Bracy added that you have to read as well. Find the kind of writing that you want to write and read that kind of writing too. It will make you better, open your eyes to what's out there and allow you to make a better assessment of where you stand.
Blau said to find a topic that you love and dive into it. The final product will be better for it.
Albert also mentioned the importance of finding a mentor in the industry. In addition to his current editor, Chuck Bausman, at the Daily News, Albert has a close relationship with fellow UFR-feature Josh Verlin at the City of Basketball Love. Having somebody in your career that you can turn to for advice or a helping hand is important and reassuring.
Hermann's post at The Triangle proves right away that writers should get involved as quickly as possible and be as active as possible. He did it. You can do it too if you put your mind AND effort to it.
Journalism, sports and politics
Two of my personal favorite writers out there are Hruby and Waldron. They are covering important sports topics that have not always had much traction in the mainstream media. While Hruby's Sports on Earth finds itself as a bit more of a mainstream site for the average sports fan, both cover similar topics.
Although when reading their writing it becomes increasingly difficult to see the blindness that some possess on sports and social issues, Hruby and Waldron lay down their facts on a daily basis and without frustration. Both have seen the growth of the online media as major plus for these kinds of topics that some pesky conservatives may leave for the #LIBRULMEDIA.
Freelancing
Both Blau and Hanlon had good insight into freelancing. It's a whole different ballgame from being employed at XYZ newspaper or website. It takes a certain type on mindset to do it effectively.
Blau and Hanlon also have day jobs. Blau is active in the Atlanta media at Creative Loafing. But you don't even necessarily need to be a writer by day to freelance. You can do anything. But check your laziness at the door if you want to do it successfully. Freelancing is for the self-starters.
Content is King
Whatever is going viral, the social media editor needs to be on it. That's what Mattioli did. She's has used the success in her position to vault herself in the role of college hoops editor. However, her UFR interview is an eye-opening look into how sports media and the internet are married together. It's incredibly interesting, more science than art in a lot of ways.
Bigger isn't always better
Covering soccer in America has its share of pros and cons, however the smaller fanbase is not one of those cons. The fanbases are small but intense. And a lot of times, wildly unique. In the case of the Philadelphia Union, the fanbase came before the team. Zeitlin captured the essence in a recent long-form feature he wrote, and he talked about the intricacies a little bit more with us.
We hope you have enjoyed the first 10 Under Further Review interviews!
Under Further Review:
No. 10 - Max BlauNo. 9 - Dave Zeitlin
No. 8 - Andrew Albert
No. 7 - Travis Waldron
No. 6 - Patrick Hruby
No. 5 - Greg Hanlon
No. 4 - Josh Verlin
No. 3 - Kami Mattioli
No. 2 - Aaron Bracy
No. 1 - Adam Hermann
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Kevin Rossi is a senior Drexel Sport Management major with minors in Communications and Business Administration. Since joining the SMTSU, Kevin has worked his way up the ladder to President. Currently, Kevin is serving as the Sports Information Assistant for Drexel Athletics and intern at Comcast SportsNet in web production. Kevin has writing experience with Philahoops.com, The Triangle, Temple University, and various outlets in a freelance capacity. Follow Kevin on Twitter @kevin_rossi.
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