The Collective, Casual Approach of Troy Johnson
Kendall Gibson
Flint Hill School
Great Falls, VA
For Troy Johnson, sports reporting is much more than sitting in a press box. Johnson informed Auburn Journalism campers on what three traits a sports writer must have to become successful. Mr. Johnson would know how to create a successful career in sports journalism. He has covered the masters, final four, Super Bowl and has worked at Sports Illustrated.
Johnson’s first tip was to “write for your readers, not as a fan”. Johnson stressed the importance of treating every game as a part of one’s work hours, not as entertainment. He said he has learned to become detached from the emotional ties to his favorite teams whilst he is writing. Becoming emotionally neutral is important because his column must highlight both teams well and not exclusively one’s favorite team. This bit of knowledge was passed down to him during one of his first days in the press box. Johnson was told to never cheer in the box, for his pass could be revoked and be thrown out of the press box. He reminded the campers that journalism is not for one’s self, but for the readers.
The advice that followed was this: “interview those who aren’t constantly in the spotlight.” Johnson believes that the best people to interview are those who don’t usually get media attention. He specifically mentioned Linebackers to have the most responsive and juicy interviews. Johnson added that the most vital element of sports writing is to build strong relationships interviewees and coaches. He suggested approaching an interview like one is simply carrying a conversation with the person beside them in a bar.
With the anonymity of the Internet, writers must stay true to their opinion. Johnson said, “You have to be thick skinned.” He mentioned the importance of a writer’s thoughts and ideas and how they could receive criticism for the opinions they may publish. He said to “stay strong, because opinions are important in sports broadcasting.”
Johnson left the Auburn Journalism students with a new perspective on sports writing.
Flint Hill School
Great Falls, VA
For Troy Johnson, sports reporting is much more than sitting in a press box. Johnson informed Auburn Journalism campers on what three traits a sports writer must have to become successful. Mr. Johnson would know how to create a successful career in sports journalism. He has covered the masters, final four, Super Bowl and has worked at Sports Illustrated.
Johnson’s first tip was to “write for your readers, not as a fan”. Johnson stressed the importance of treating every game as a part of one’s work hours, not as entertainment. He said he has learned to become detached from the emotional ties to his favorite teams whilst he is writing. Becoming emotionally neutral is important because his column must highlight both teams well and not exclusively one’s favorite team. This bit of knowledge was passed down to him during one of his first days in the press box. Johnson was told to never cheer in the box, for his pass could be revoked and be thrown out of the press box. He reminded the campers that journalism is not for one’s self, but for the readers.
The advice that followed was this: “interview those who aren’t constantly in the spotlight.” Johnson believes that the best people to interview are those who don’t usually get media attention. He specifically mentioned Linebackers to have the most responsive and juicy interviews. Johnson added that the most vital element of sports writing is to build strong relationships interviewees and coaches. He suggested approaching an interview like one is simply carrying a conversation with the person beside them in a bar.
With the anonymity of the Internet, writers must stay true to their opinion. Johnson said, “You have to be thick skinned.” He mentioned the importance of a writer’s thoughts and ideas and how they could receive criticism for the opinions they may publish. He said to “stay strong, because opinions are important in sports broadcasting.”
Johnson left the Auburn Journalism students with a new perspective on sports writing.