The landscape of sports media is changing at an alarming rate and that can be concerning for young journalists and writers hoping to break through. The recent layoffs at the Los Angeles Times and Sports Illustrated are cause for concern and the it is still unclear what the future holds for the industry.
For those out there looking for answers, there are few people better qualified to address the issue than Jeff Pearlman. The veteran journalist and author has worked for Sports Illustrated and featured on ESPN. He has also written nine books on various sports that have made their way to the New York Times Best Seller list.
Jeff Pearlman urges young journalists to ‘make yourself indispensable’ https://t.co/sUVGue0t6O pic.twitter.com/3vGgoMDc42
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 25, 2024
Pearlman recently released a short video on his X account offering advice to the new crop of sports writers. He provided insights into the ultra-competitive world of sports journalism and recommended a list of steps that can help journalists build their brand.
“The number one thing is, you have to make yourself indispensable,” said Pearlman
In this moment of journalism layoffs and firings and foldings and nightmares, some advice for young journalists from an old, ink-stained hack who's seen a few things. pic.twitter.com/tyF9nNHPGv
— Jeff Pearlman (@jeffpearlman) January 23, 2024
The goal according to Pearlman is to find your niche and become and expert. He advised starting a podcast, coming up with a book proposal and building a social media following as ways to increase your value.
Sports media is miles away from the traditional form of print media that dominated the market in the 90’s. Podcasts from former professional athletes are growing in popularity and have massive followings (Pat McAfee, Drayomnd Green, JJ Redick all come to mind). A new generation of young upstarts are flooding X, YouTube, Instagram and Tiktok with edgy new content every day.
Jeff Pearlman did receive some pushback from X users but his message was clear. Pursue different avenues and build a portfolio and a following. Aspiring writers may have to start at the bottom and gradually work their way up the ladder, but for those that are willing to put in the work, there are still opportunities out there.
