“What do you want to be when you grow older”?
A question commonly asked, as we grow. When I was younger I gave two answers, a tennis player or become a writer.
When I searched the different genres of journalism two areas resonated with me, tabloid journalism and sports journalism. Tabloid journalism tends to sensationalise stories and focuses on areas such as gossip, celebrities and opinions. Over the year the way I write and the topics I write about reflect forms of tabloid journalism and I found that this was something that I could further explore or one day become apart of. Although sports journalism is something that has always interested and stood out to me.
From since I can remember my father always loved sports, sitting to watch the Manly Sea Eagles play was a tradition between us. During my younger years I always had dreamt of becoming a soccer, league, AFL or tennis player. At three years old I was introduced to the game of tennis, till the present day I would classify myself as a tennis player. Previously having an Australian ranking, training five times a week it has been something that has become apart of who I am and how I am identified.
I was told by many who have read my blogs or watched me play sports, suggest sports journalism because it encapsulates my passion. Therefore during my commencement of university this year I decided to focus on journalism and take a wider interest in sports to begin my career.
It is evident that sports journalism is predominately a male-based profession having female reporters scattered through different companies and positions. The comment constantly arises “but you are a female, do you think you have an equal chance”? I agree that sports journalism is male-prone although this should not be the reason to simply result to a female-based company genre such as gossip. I believe that passion and knowledge should determine the opportunity you are rewarded with, the chance to become a female sports journalists for companies such as Fox Sports and ESPN is an ultimate goal. Neroli Meadows a Fox Sports reporter/presenter is one who I enjoy to watch, her journey beginning locally in Perth on a radio station and this transition to a large and well-known station is something that I admire.
Sports has always been something I have loved to watch and read about, writing has been another of my passion. I find writing gives me a sense of freedom and exploration, writing to tell and writing to help/inform are my fortes. Becoming a sports journalist combines two of my favourite hobbies, and allows me to focus on areas I love most.
I can accept failure, but I can’t accept not trying – Michael Jordan
Diamond & Coal 