The score is 68-70 and the home team has one last shot at taking home the trophy. The clock is ticking fast and the crowd is silent in anticipation. The star player uses his last opportunity to shoot and the audience’s eyes follow the ball. Suddenly the home team’s student section is flooding the court as they celebrate one of their most beloved player’s final game. This moment is going to be remembered for the rest of their lives all because of the sports media journalist.
There is no doubt that with the rise in passion and coverage for sports in the professional world, there is going to be a rise in the interest of Sports Media for students as well.
An article written by Sports Degrees Online stated that “what many don’t realize is that the demand for sports-related content has grown with each decade and the audience is now larger and more engaged than ever.”
This is true for the Communication Department at Olivet Nazarene University. According to the registrar, Olivet has seen an increase of 33 Multimedia Communication students over the last seven years, many of these desiring futures in sports media.
In order to accommodate this increase in interest, faculty have recently added a new course for students to take, COMM 399: Sports Broadcasting, taught by Professor Brian Utter. You can read more about this class.
However, not only has there been an increase in academic opportunities to deepen their knowledge of sports media, but Olivet has countless sports teams where students are able to gain real, practical experience. Whether it be volleyball, football, softball, or one of the other devoted teams, communication students are getting involved in the media coverage for these players. They have the opportunity to take photos, put together video trailers, or even utilize their skills in graphic design. As the number of students attending these events increases, so does their Instagram following.
Loren Martin, a sophomore at Olivet, said that “taking pictures for the athletic program has been amazing. Through my photography, I am constantly building my portfolio and making connections. I have gained a unique perspective on the power of sports bringing people together to achieve their best.” Martin is just one of the countless students beginning their career in sports media. Alongside her is Joe Williamson, a junior at Olivet. Williamson said:
“As a sports fan, I love being caught up on all the information that I can get through various forms of sports media. Whether it be social media, radio, TV, or something else, having all the information at my fingertips via media is important to me, which is why I personally want to be involved.”
Joe Williamson, junior at Olivet nazarene university
Each student entering the sports media field has unique passions and interests. Each student has a specific experience that has turned them towards capturing games for the rest of their lives.
The Future of Sports Media by Irving Rein, discusses how “new technologies are changing the sports media landscape.” Today, there is more opportunity than ever before to capture the atmosphere and intensity of a sports game.
Photos submitted by: Loren Martin
Martin emphasized that “Through my lens, I have captured the raw emotion and passion that fuels these athletes. My favorite thing about sports photography is that each picture is unique and you never know what you’re going to get.”
With the rise in sports media, this is just the beginning for students interested in it at Olivet.
