Inside the Industry

Six Key Skills That Actually Get You Hired in Today’s Sports Media Industry

When people talk about breaking into sports media, the conversation often focuses on platforms, connections, or visibility. But behind the scenes, hiring decisions are usually shaped by something far more practical: skills.

Not just technical abilities, but the professional qualities that show you understand how the industry actually operates: communication, reliability, storytelling instinct, and the ability to work across formats without losing clarity.

In a landscape that continues to evolve rapidly, employers are increasingly looking for people who combine creativity with professionalism and adaptability.

The reality is that the skills that stand out today are often quieter than people expect. They’re reflected in how you collaborate with editors, colleagues, and clients, how you handle deadlines, and how consistently you deliver work that feels thoughtful and prepared.

This week’s industry insight explores the qualities that genuinely matter when hiring decisions are made, and why understanding them early can help you focus your efforts more strategically.

Read the full article here

Career Insight

Building Authority Without a Job (or any Followers)

One of the biggest challenges for aspiring professionals is the feeling that authority only comes with a job title, a large following, or years of experience.

In reality, authority in sports media is often built through consistent proof of work; showing how you think, how you communicate, and how you present your perspective over time.

Whether you’re a journalist, creator, or communications professional, building authority is less about waiting for permission and more about demonstrating clarity and professionalism in whatever space you’re working in. It’s a long-term process, but one that starts with small, intentional steps.

This week’s Career Insight looks at how authority can begin to take shape even before you have a formal role or audience, and why consistency matters far more than scale in the early stages.

Read the full piece here

From My Week

Reporting from E1 Series in Jeddah

I’m writing this week’s edition from a hotel room on assignment in Jeddah, where the opening weekend of the third season of the E1 Championship, the world’s first all-electric powerboat series, is underway.

This project came together at the last minute, which meant compressing what would usually be a four-to-eight-week planning cycle into just a single week.

That kind of turnaround changes the rhythm of everything. Messaging frameworks, briefing documents, broadcaster notes, media coordination, and editorial strategy all had to be developed at pace, while still ensuring clarity and consistency across teams.

Now that we’re on site, the focus has shifted to execution. I’ve been interviewing executives and pilots during press conferences, helping coordinate media activity, and ensuring the storytelling and coverage align with the broader objectives of the event.

Tomorrow is race day itself, and I’m looking forward to heading out onto the Red Sea to see these boats in action up close! It’s a reminder that even in a fast-moving industry, the moments that make the work worthwhile are often the ones you experience firsthand.

This Week’s Recommendations

How The Hell Did I Get Here??? | Kayshon Boutte | The Players’ Tribune

Remembering the career of boxing legend ‘Prince’ Naseem Hamed as biopic Giant hits cinemas | Andy Lewis | The National

Scotty James: Pipe Dream | Netflix

Get Started in Sports Media

If you’re trying to build momentum in sports media, focusing on the right foundations can make all the difference.

The Sports Media Career Playbook is designed to help you understand how the industry works, where to focus your energy, and how to develop the clarity needed to move forward, whether you’re just starting out or refining your direction.

Explore the Sports Media Playbook here

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Closing Note

One of the biggest lessons from working across different areas of sports media is that progress rarely follows a straight line.

The more you learn about how the industry connects (across platforms, roles, and events), the easier it becomes to see where your own journey might lead.

Until next time,
Jon