SMH Weekly Digest: Issue #007 – What Super Bowl LX Revealed About Modern Sports Media
Inside the Industry
What Super Bowl LX Revealed About the Present and Future of Sports Media
Mega-events have always acted as a barometer for where sports media is heading, and Super Bowl LX was no exception.
Beyond the spectacle on the field, the event highlighted how distribution, storytelling, and audience engagement continue to evolve in real time.
From the growing influence of streaming platforms to the role of creators and multi-platform coverage, the Super Bowl demonstrated how the modern sports media landscape is becoming increasingly interconnected.
Traditional broadcast remains hugely important, but it now exists alongside social-first storytelling, digital analysis, and an ecosystem that moves far beyond a single game day.
For anyone looking to build a career in sports media, these moments offer valuable insight into how roles are changing, and where new opportunities might emerge as the industry continues to adapt.
Career Insight
How to Build a Sports Media Portfolio that Actually Benefits Your Career
One of the most powerful tools you can build in sports media isn’t a social following or a job title. It’s a strong portfolio.
A portfolio isn’t just a collection of work; it’s a living record of your growth, your perspective, and the direction you want your career to take.
Whether you’re a reporter, creator, producer, or communications professional, a well-crafted portfolio helps others understand how you think and what you bring to a team.
It also becomes a personal archive that allows you to reflect on your progress and continue developing your skills over time.
This week’s Career Insight explores why portfolios matter more than ever and how thinking strategically about your body of work can help you stand out in a competitive industry.
From My Week
A week dedicated to horse racing
After three major events in five weeks (each packed with long days on site and even longer periods of preparation), I took a few days away from work to recharge.
Those pauses are important, especially after sustained periods of travel and live event delivery, and returning with fresh energy always brings a different perspective.
Since getting back, the focus has shifted toward corporate communications work with Qiddiya. With so much development happening across this ambitious project, there’s plenty to stay busy with even as the live events calendar begins to slow slightly ahead of Ramadan.
A big highlight this week has been supporting the announcement of Qiddiya’s new Performing Arts Centre, a reminder that our work extends beyond sport into the broader entertainment and cultural landscape as well.
As always, a significant amount of effort happens behind the scenes to amplify these announcements globally; shaping messaging, coordinating media outreach, and ensuring the story reaches audiences around the world.
It’s a different rhythm from live event coverage, but equally rewarding when you see a strong narrative resonate internationally.
This Week’s Recommendations
Can the Seahawks repeat as Super Bowl champions? These are their biggest challenges | Michael-Shawn Dugar | The Athletic
Football must reject Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s cynical, self-serving electioneering | Barney Ronay | The Guardian
Dark Trade: Lost in Boxing | Don McRae | Simon and Schuster
Jürgen Klopp: Would You Go Back To Manage LFC…? The Real Reason I Fell In Love With Liverpool! | Steven Bartlett | Diary of a CEO
Get Started in Sports Media
If you’re serious about building momentum in sports media, clarity and structure can make a huge difference.
The Sports Media Career Playbook has been designed to help you understand where to focus, how to position yourself, and how to develop a long-term strategy in a fast-changing industry.
Closing Note
Sport moves quickly, but careers are built over time.
Whether you’re working on live events, long-term projects, or building your own portfolio, consistency and curiosity remain some of the most valuable traits you can develop along the way.
Until next time,
Jon