Sports Journalism

Your comment must be posted by 30 minutes before the Tuesday Jan. 27 class.
You must include the URL of the column so that others can read the column, too.
Let me know if you have any questions.

Pictured at right: ESPN‘s Bill Simmons, the Sports Guy (Eric Vitoff will be following Simmons this semester).

Gunston may be on the back burner at George Mason University, but the Tickle Me Gunston blog for Comm371-001/Sports Writing & Reporting is back!
So, welcome to the class. You become a part of a network of nine years of students have taken this class before you. That is not insignificant, as you will learn throughout the semester.

But first things first: Have you taken Comm303/Writing Across Media? I ask because that course provides you with a foundation in Associated Press Style, which we use in journalism and this course. Without that foundation, you will struggle to succeed in this class. So if you lack that foundation, you need to talk with me.

Now to some resources:
— Everyone is responsible for following a sports columnist throughout the semester (Eric Vitoff has already requested Bill Simmons of ESPN). I will assign the columnists on a first-come basis and list them with links online in your syllabus.
— Everyone is responsible for choosing a sports-related book and sports-related movie, writing a 2-page, double-spaced review, and giving an short presentation in class (again, see your syllabus).

We will review all this in class.
See you in 319 Innovation Hall!

Your comment must be posted by 30 minutes before the Tuesday April 29 class.
You must include the URL so that others can read the column, too.
Let me know if you have any questions.

GRADED EXERCISE: In the comments section below, add the three things you learned from Len Shapiro‘s presentation. Deadline is 30 minutes before class on Tuesday April 22.

Your comment must be posted by 30 minutes before the Tuesday April 22 class.
You must include the URL so that others can read the column, too.
Let me know if you have any questions.

Your comment must be posted by 30 minutes before the Tuesday April 15 class.
You must include the URL so that others can read the column, too.
Let me know if you have any questions.

Students,

It was a pleasure speaking with you all last week. My main goal is to constantly give back and provide opportunities for those interested in breaking into the business.

In keeping with that theme, I have an opportunity for those of you interested in interning with Rivals.com.

Rivals.com is the No. 6 destination for internet sports fans worldwide, surpassing the unique visitor numbers of more “traditionally known” destinations like MLB.com, NBA.com, SI.com, CBSSports.com, as well as numerous others sites, providing interns an amazing amount of exposure and visibility to their work.

Candidates should be journalism or communications majors and have an interest in sports. The position will reward the chosen candidates with internship credit hours, a strong resume, as well as potential opportunities beyond the completion of the internship. The schedule is flexible.

Responsibilities include but not limited to:

Three original content items per week
Message board discussion with community fans visiting the site
Providing team, player, and recruiting coverage

Additional Qualifications

Major in journalism or communications
A basic knowledge of HTML
Written and oral communications skills
Self-motivation
Ability to develop and cultivate working relationships

Interested candidates should email their resume and cover letter to bkoub@yahoo.com and I will pass it along to the right people at Rivals.com

Good luck.

B.J. Koubaroulis
bkoub@yahoo.com

Your comment must be posted by 30 minutes before the Tuesday April 8 class.
You must include the URL so that others can read the column, too.
Let me know if you have any questions.

GRADED EXERCISE: In the comments section below, add the three things you learned from Mike Wise‘s presentation. Deadline is 30 minutes before class on Tuesday April 8.

Your comment must be posted by 30 minutes before the Tuesday April 1 (no joke!) class.
You must include the URL so that others can read the column, too.
Let me know if you have any questions.