2011 SU Update: Young Journalists – Day 4

SHENZHEN – Today, August 15^th, the FISU-AIPS Young Reporters learned about the history of judo from the International Judo Federation (IJF) media and communications director, Nicolas Messner.

Mr Messner told the young journalists how the sport of Judo first began to how it became a universal sport.

Today judo is officially practised by more than 20 million people in more than 200 countries around the world, however it was not considered a sport when it first started.

Mr Messner said it was an educational tool which taught judokas to gain maximum efficiency with minimum effort.

In an interview Mr Messner said judo is also used as a social development tool in developing nations around the world.

“It created bonds within divided communities,” he said.

The IJF has created a program which uses judo to teach children in developing countries respect and life skills.

“The program first started inBurundi, now it has grown to countries around the world includingBrazil,Congo,Tahitiand more.

“We support African schools by giving them books, pens and other educational material. The goal is not to develop judo, but do develop the countries socially. Judo goes far beyond the sports dimension,” he said.

Mr Messner was a high level Judoka himself, however after years of practising he said he was getting fed up with the sport.

“I was training 20 to 25 hours a week,” he added

He started working for the International University Sports Federation (FISU) in 2001 and now he is teaching people around the world the benefits of judo with the IJF.

The judo competition at the 2011 Shenzhen Universiade runs from the 13^th till the 17^th August.

(Source: FISU Young Reporter Dominick Czakilew/AUS)

“Journalism 101”

During the latter part of today's seminar on day four of the FISU Young Reporter's Conference in Shenzhen, Sports Media Canada President and Chairman of the AIPS New Media Commission, Steve McAllister and Program Director Alan Abrahamson of 3wire sports presented on the essentials of Journalism. The "Journalism 101" session was both compelling and informative.

Their goal was to help the young journalists grasp an understanding of what it takes to be successful in an ever-changing industry.

Mr. Abrahamson provided an interesting fact that really put the current day career of a sports journalist into perspective. "The statistics say that you will cycle through somewhere between 10 and 15 jobs in your life," he said. Mr. McAllister supported this statement by saying that he has had 10 jobs in 30 years working in sports journalism.

Mr. McAllister presented the following list of his "20 Commandments to Being a Good Sports Journalist" which provided the young journalists with basic important points to keep in mind as they begin their careers.

1. Thou Shalt Always Be Passionate

2. Thou Shalt Always Ask One More Question

3. Thou Shalt Embrace The Business Side of Sports

4. Thou Shalt Not Submit Opinions Until Thou Has Earned That Right

5. Thou Shalt Always be Fair and Balanced

6. Thou Shalt Read, Watch and Listen Religiously

7. Thou Shalt Not Become Lazy or Complacent

8. Thou Shalt Edit Thou’s Own Work Before Filing

9. Thou Shalt Always Avoid Clichés

10. Thou Shalt Always Love Their Job (And When Thou Doesn’t, Move On)

11. Thou Shalt Go To The Greatest Lengths To Not Invoke Thyself Into A Story

12. Thou Shalt Always Go About Thou’s Duties In A Professional Manner

13. Thou Shalt Embrace Change

14. Thou Shalt Know Thy Audience

15. Thou Shalt Always Watch The Game

16. Thou Shalt Be Prepared

17. Thou Shalt Not Be A Defender Of Thy Sport Thou Covers

18. Thou Shalt Be Skeptical, Not Cynical

19. Thou Shalt Never Miss Deadline

20. Thou Shalt Never Complain To Your Audience About Being On Assignment

Each "commandment" was discussed in detail, and the young journalists expressed
their personal opinions, which differed significantly depending on their own backgrounds and the cultural differences that exist throughout group of Young Reporters.  

The point that sparked a great deal of debate was when Mr. McAllister asked the audience to talk about their thoughts on journalists cheering in the press box. For many of those from outside of North America, cheering for their fellow countrymen in the press box was said to be part of their culture. However, if journalists in North America were caught cheering, their accreditation would most likely be revoked because it is not seen as a professional or credible way to act.

The young journalists learned that one of the most essential parts of the sport journalism business is respect.

"The respect of the people is the most important thing because when you are respected, you are strong," said AIPS President Gianni Merlo.

While the young journalists did not necessarily agree on every point discussed, they gained tremendous knowledge of how sport journalism works in other parts of the world.

"I hope that when you finish this adventure, that you will go home with a different mind than before," said Merlo.

This was indeed a day filled with both sound and inspiring advice.

(Source: FISU Young Journalist Erin Maegher/CAN)

Nicolas Messner, IJF Media Director

Steve McAllister, Managing Sports Editor Yahoo! Canada

(Photos: C. Pierre/FISU)