How to Cover Outdoor Sports as a Reporter

As a reporter, you'll cover a variety of outdoor sports. While sportscasters cover them for the sports angle, general assignment reporters often get other angles. Sporting events can be a fun change from the typical hard news stories that reporters usually focus on.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Make contact with the organizers or athletes before the sporting event, if possible. It's always good to touch base with them so they know you're coming to cover the event.
2. Dress appropriately. If you are covering a bass-fishing tournament, for example, wear clothes appropriate for a boat. Flat shoes, lightweight pants and a T-shirt would work.
3. Arrange to get the video you need. If you want to go out on a boat, set up who will take you out. You can't show up very close to the beginning of the sporting event or even after it starts and expect to get everything you need.
4. Shoot video during the outdoor sporting event. Gather interviews whenever possible, whether it's during breaks or after the competition is over. If you need fans, grab them throughout the event so you capture their excitement.
5. See if there's a news conference scheduled after the event. At a NASCAR race, for example, the winner always talks to the media after he's done in the Winner's Circle.
6. Ask the athlete several questions across a range of subjects. You'll probably want to use the sound and video for more than one story. If you play your cards right, you can gather enough to run a story every day of the week.
7. Write your story as much as possible while you're in the field. If you plan out the basic outline of what you want to say, it will help you formulate your questions and do your stand-up. Your entire package will come together much easier.

Tips & Warnings

• Be familiar with the rules of the sporting event. To cover a race in the pits, for example, you have to wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. If you show up in sandals, you won't get the story you need.

Who Can Help:

• Earn an Associate's, Bachelor's or Master's Degree from the University of Phoenix
• University of Phoenix, degree Programs to Fit Your Life.