Sports Staff Application

What is the position?

• You will be working with editors and other reporters to cover sporting events related to WKU. As a sports reporter, you are expected to follow ethical guidelines when reporting on your sport. You are expected to attend games, meet deadlines, cover media availability press conferences and live tweet events on the Herald Sports account. You will be speaking with athletes, coaches and athletic staff in a professional setting.

Who should apply?

• People who are passionate about sports, and wanting to tell stories about them and the people involved.

Why should you apply?

• You can gain knowledgeable experience for your future endeavors. You will be working with a team of people that are passionate about the same work you would like to do.

Job Description

Department: Editorial

Reports To: Sports Editor

Hours: 15-20 hours/week

Paid: Yes, per piece

You’re well read, you know the game, you’re not afraid to talk to strangers or work in a high paced athletic environment. The College Heights Herald is looking for student journalists who enjoy fast-paced environments, and who’re ready to put pen to paper and scout out stories about Topper athletics.

Responsibilities:

• Covers all sports events within beat (generally 2 – 4 stories per week)
• Develops story ideas and maintains source contacts
• Ability to report accurate, fair, concise and well-organized stories
• Must be able to think creatively about news presentation (i.e. photos, graphics, etc.)
• Works with Sports Editor to develop strategies for handling stories
• Must have an undying respect for deadlines and should demonstrate willingness to learn
• Other duties as assigned by Sports Editor
• Must meet or beat all deadlines
• Must be willing to work some nights and weekends
• Must follow the ethical guidelines set forth by the Society of Professional Journalists

Qualifications:

• Must be a WKU student
• Success in a University writing-related class strongly advised (knowledge of grammar, style conventions, etc. is essential)
• Strong interest in sports writing
• Familiarity with Tops athletics preferred
• Should be willing to cultivate a lively social media presence
• You *do not* need to be in the School of Media to apply for this position. We welcome applicants from all majors and backgrounds.