How do you become a deputy sports editor?

1 Education and Experience

The first step to becoming a deputy sports editor is to have a solid educational background and relevant experience in sports journalism. Most employers will require a bachelor's degree in journalism, communication, or a related field, as well as several years of experience as a sports reporter, writer, or editor. You should also have a portfolio of published work that showcases your sports knowledge, writing skills, and editorial judgment. Additionally, you should be familiar with the latest trends and technologies in sports media, such as digital platforms, social media, multimedia, and data analysis.

2 Supervisory Skills

The second step to becoming a deputy sports editor is to develop and demonstrate your supervisory skills. As a deputy sports editor, you will be leading a team of sports journalists, who may have different levels of experience, expertise, and interests. You will need to be able to motivate, mentor, and coach them, as well as provide constructive feedback, resolve conflicts, and handle performance issues. You will also need to communicate effectively with other editors and managers, as well as external stakeholders, such as sources, athletes, coaches, and organizations. You should be able to delegate tasks, set goals, monitor progress, and evaluate results.

3 Creativity and Innovation

The third step to becoming a deputy sports editor is to show your creativity and innovation. As a deputy sports editor, you will be expected to come up with fresh and engaging ideas for sports stories, features, and projects, that appeal to your target audience and reflect your media outlet's vision and values. You will also need to be able to adapt to changing situations, such as breaking news, schedule changes, or emergencies, and find solutions to challenges and problems. You should be able to think outside the box, experiment with new formats and approaches, and embrace diversity and inclusion.

4 Ethics and Standards

The fourth step to becoming a deputy sports editor is to uphold high ethics and standards. As a deputy sports editor, you will be responsible for ensuring that your sports section follows the principles and policies of journalism, such as accuracy, fairness, balance, objectivity, and transparency. You will also need to be aware of the legal and ethical issues that may arise in sports reporting, such as defamation, plagiarism, copyright, privacy, and consent. You should be able to verify facts, check sources, correct errors, and acknowledge mistakes.

5 Passion and Commitment

The fifth step to becoming a deputy sports editor is to have passion and commitment. As a deputy sports editor, you will need to have a genuine interest and enthusiasm for sports, as well as a curiosity and openness to learn new things. You will also need to have a strong work ethic and dedication, as the job can be demanding, stressful, and unpredictable. You should be able to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and cope with criticism. You should also be willing to improve your skills, seek feedback, and pursue professional development opportunities.

6 Networking and Career Development

The sixth and final step to becoming a deputy sports editor is to network and advance your career. As a deputy sports editor, you will have the opportunity to build and maintain relationships with various people in the sports industry, such as journalists, editors, media professionals, athletes, coaches, and organizations. You should be able to network effectively, promote your work, and seek collaborations and partnerships. You should also be proactive and ambitious, and look for opportunities to grow and progress in your career. You may aspire to become a sports editor, a sports director, or a sports media consultant, depending on your goals and interests.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?