LIVE ONLINE COURSE

SPORTS JOURNALIST COURSE

Name: Sports Journalism
Price: On-demand USD

Dates: 10 JUN 2025 - 24 JUL 2025

Duration: 6 WEEKS
TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS
5 PM PST / 8 PM EST

APPLY

HENRY MCKENNA
FOX SPORTS

LIVE ONLINE COURSE

APPLY

Find your voice — learn to craft engaging sports stories that connect with audiences.

Henry McKenna, with 10+ years experience covering the NFL, will share a journalist’s perspective on the thrilling world of sports — and tips on how to get there.

THIS COURSE IS FOR YOU, IF...

YOU ARE AN ENTRY-LEVEL WRITER, FREELANCER, OR JOURNALIST

Dream of interviewing the next LeBron James but unsure how to make it happen? That’s what we’re here for. From interviewing techniques and building your source contact list to career advancement strategies, we’ll give you the tools to reach for the sports stars.
YOU ARE A SPORTS PROFESSIONAL

You already know and love the game – we’ll teach you how to write about it. Learn to craft compelling ledes, use meaningful narratives to strengthen storytelling, and understand your audience. Gain expert insights and tips to pivot into a sports journalist role.
YOU ARE A CONTENT CREATOR

Want to expand your platform? Our sports journalist course will teach you to build a strong personal brand, enhance your content with multimedia techniques, and grow your industry network. Tell stories that resonate with audiences nationwide.

Take fans beyond the game — craft authentic sports stories from behind the scenes.

Conduct in-depth interviews, elevate your piece with meaningful narratives, and master audience engagement techniques. Whether you’re interested in feature writing, analytical pieces, or columns, develop the skills to excel in sports journalism.

Write your dream into a reality under the guidance of a seasoned pro.

Step 1: Find a quiet, comfy space. Step 2: Join the class — because it’s all live online! Receive personalized feedback to hone your writing, get expert tips on succeeding in the industry, and have all your questions answered. Turn your passion into a fruitful career.

HANDS-ON LEARNING

Flex your writing muscles with practical assignments and interactive workshops. From crafting column pieces and creating podcast rundowns to generating ledes from social media, we’ll give you the sports journalist training to score big.

REAL-WORLD INSIGHTS

Hear first-hand from pro guest speakers on long-form pieces, building a personal brand, and the freelancing game. Dive deep into case studies on interviewing ‘dos and don’ts’, covering sports GOATs, and nailing those eye-catching headlines.

FINAL PROJECT

It all ‘ledes’ to this. Research, report, and write a feature story, enterprise story, or a column. This is your shot to show off your journalistic skills and build out a diverse portfolio.

Henry McKenna

LINKEDIN PROFILE

National NFL Reporter at FOX Sports
Covered 5 Super Bowls while working for FOX Sports, USA TODAY Sports Media Group, and Boston Globe Media.
Has covered the NFL for 10+ years, including time at the end of Tom Brady and Bill Belichick’s dynasty.
Served as an editor at USA TODAY Sports Media Group, overseeing the NFL courage of 9 different websites.
Worked in broadcast television production for NBC, CBS, MLB Network, and Sportsnet New York.

MON (6/9), 5 PM PST/8 PM EST

Welcome Class

Get to know your instructor, dive into what this course is all about, and get a clear roadmap of what’s ahead. We’ll break down assignments, the final project, and why sports journalism is an exciting (and seriously fun) space to be in. Let’s get started!

Instructor introduction
General housekeeping
Assignments & final project overview

More Less

TUE (6/10), 5 PM PST/8 PM EST

Introduction to Sports Journalism

Why is storytelling so important in sports? Why should we tell the stories? This class dives into why stories matter, how the media landscape is shifting, and where journalists fit in a world where athletes are their own broadcasters. Dissect real stories, debate perspectives, and rethink what makes a great sports narrative.

Sports media: Podcasts, newspapers, talk shows, blogs
The changing climate of media
Discussion: Why should we tell their stories & why should our opinions matter?
Case study: Article analysis & discussion: NFL prospect Travis Hunter
Writer, reporter, storyteller: Room for improvement

More Less

THU (6/12), 5 PM PST/8 PM EST

Interview Methods

Get the best information out of your source. Great interviews don’t just happen — they’re built on smart questions, sharp instincts, and knowing when to push (or pull back). From high-stakes celebrity chats to press conference chaos, we’ll break down what works, what flops, and how to get the real story — no fluff, no dodging.

Case studies: Interviewing – How to do it right
Case studies: Interviewing – How… not to do it

Assignment #1: Your Dream Role
If you were to enter the media industry, what would be your ideal job? (It doesn’t have to be in sports.) If media isn’t your path, explain what skills you hope to gain from this course.

More Less

TUE (6/17), 5 PM PST/8 PM EST

The Art of Ordering: Getting Your Article Started

Hook your readers before they scroll away. In this session, you'll learn how to craft compelling ledes, distill key information, and structure your story so it keeps your audience engaged. From social media buzz to press releases, we’ll workshop real-world examples and sharpen your storytelling instincts.

The lede: Why is it so difficult?
Workshop: Generating ledes from social media
Workshop: Generating ledes from a press release
Nut Graf/Top Quote

More Less

THU (6/19), 5 PM PST/8 PM EST

Feature Writing in Sports Journalism + Guest Speaker

Learn how to turn great stories into unforgettable reads by getting your sources talking on the phone and in person. Master building strong relationships and creating profiles that readers can’t put down. We’ll also show you how to pitch and nail those long-form features that editors love.

Compelling human interest stories
Profiles: Athletes, coaches, sports personalities
Source outreach & relationship management
Presenting pitch to the editor
Guest speaker: Baltimore Banner editor Chris Korman: Insights on long-form features
Case study: Article onRavens' Justin Tucker by Julie Scharper, Brenna Smith and Justin Fenton

Assignment #2: Final Project Pitch
Develop and pitch your concept for the final project. Your story should demonstrate strong narrative skills, multiple perspectives, and in-depth journalism.

More Less

TUE (6/24), 5 PM PST/8 PM EST

Opinion Pieces in Sports Journalism + Guest Speaker

Convince a reader that 1) your opinion matters and 2) your opinion is correct. Sharpen your opinion-writing skills as we dive into what makes a persuasive sports argument. With insights from The Athletic's Martin Rogers, you'll learn how to craft opinions that stand out, balance objectivity with conviction, and make sure your voice gets heard in the crowded sports media world.

Successful voices
Strong argument: Persuasion techniques
Maintaining credibility: Opinion vs. objectivity
In-depth analysis: Sports events & trends
Audience preferences & tailoring content
Guest speaker: The Athletic’s Martin Rogers: How to make opinions stand out

More Less

THU (6/26), 5 PM PST/8 PM EST

Covering the GOATs: Real Case Studies

Learn how to find fresh angles on even the most-overexposed stories. We’ll break down four of the instructor's own pieces, including behind-the-scenes scoops on Tom Brady, Bill Belichick, and Antonio Brown. Plus, he’ll show you how these techniques helped him hit the ground running with the Chiefs.

Case studies: Instructor’s work on Tom Brady, Bill Belichick, and Antonio Brown
Powerful techniques

Assignment #3: Sports Opinion Piece
Write a compelling column or analytical piece on a pro sports topic you’re passionate about. We’ll suggest possible topics, but feel free to choose one that moves you.

More Less

TUE (7/8), 5 PM PST/8 PM EST

Multimedia Journalism: Social Media + Guest Speaker

Learn how to separate your personal brand from a company’s and use your journalistic instincts to thrive on social media. With real-life insights from FOX Sports’ Lisa Redmond, you’ll explore how to shape your online presence, from reporter to influencer, and navigate the challenges of building both personal and company brands.

Social media: Journalist’s first building block
Social media success
Defining your brand identity
Company or team’s brand: Journalistic principles
Guest speaker: FOX Sports’ Lisa Redmond: Personal vs. large company’s brand

More Less

THU (7/10), 5 PM PST/8 PM EST

Multimedia Journalism: Podcasting & Production + Guest Speaker

Learn the ropes of podcasting and production to build your own from the ground up. Brainstorm your show’s concept and build a brand that stands out. We’ll break down the essential skills, like creating a rundown and launching your own podcast, with some insider stories from a pro who’s been there. Let’s get your voice heard.

Types of podcasts
Building your brand as a podcaster
Creating a rundown
Guest speaker: Launching a podcast: Personal journey

Assignment #4: Podcast/TV Show Rundown
Plan a 30-minute sports podcast or TV/radio show. Outline three to five talking points and prepare supporting arguments to make each one compelling.

More Less

TUE (7/15), 5 PM PST/8 PM EST

Digital Journalism: Building Your Voice Through Blogging

Blogging is a modern twist on classic journalism, where you can blend your personal voice with solid reporting. We’ll dive into what makes blogging different, who’s making a career out of it, and how to stand out in this fast-paced space. Get ready to write about something you hate in sports — your ideas deserve an outlet.

Blogging vs. traditional journalistic article
Aggregation: Why so many websites value it
Blogging as a career
Breaking into the industry through blogging: Pros & cons
Workshop:Write about something you hate in sports & discuss how it feels

More Less

THU (7/17), 5 PM PST/8 PM EST

Workshop: Newsroom Exercise

Step into the heat of a breaking news scenario and put your skills to the test. In this workshop, you’ll work in teams to cover a live story, navigating controversy, tight deadlines, and the thrill of the newsroom. Let’s see how you handle the pressure!

Workshop: Simulated breaking news environment exercise

Assignment #5: Breaking News Story
Watch the provided press conference video and write a news story based on the available information. Supplement your report with research from credible sources.

More Less

TUE (7/22), 5 PM PST/8 PM EST

How to Reach, Build & Understand Your Audience

Learn how to craft headlines that actually work for each platform — whether it’s for SEO, social media, or display ads. We’ll break down strategies from real-life case studies and give you the tools to create headlines that grab your target audience’s attention and drive results.

Search engine optimization & Google trends
Working with data
Case study: Exploring headlines & breaking down their strategies
Workshop: Writing headlines for display, social, and SEO

More Less

THU (7/24), 5 PM PST/8 PM EST

Career Development in Sports Journalism + Guest Speaker

Get energized for the professional jump ahead, whether it’s getting started, ascending in your current field or pivoting into a new one. We’ll focus on building your personal brand, crafting an irresistible portfolio, and acing the job hunt. Plus, get insider tips on how to freelance and use it to get a foot in the door.

Building a personal brand as a sports journalist
Developing a successful portfolio
Networking strategies & internships
Job search strategies & interview skills
Guest speaker: Outdoors Sports writer Drew Zeiff

Final Course Project:
Research, report, and write a compelling story — a feature, an enterprise story, or a column — that demonstrates your ability to craft an engaging narrative, incorporate multiple perspectives, and conduct in-depth journalism. Pay attention to the headline, lede, data, context, strong ending, and multimedia.

More Less