By Susan Oyewole
Renowned media expert and former General Manager of Lagos Television (LTV8), Mr. Deji Balogun, captivated an audience of aspiring journalists with an insightful lecture on the intricacies of sports reporting. The event, held at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), provided a rare glimpse into the professional standards and evolving techniques of sports journalism.
Balogun, whose distinguished career spans decades, emphasized the critical importance of mastering the specialized language of sports reporting. “The words you choose can elevate or undermine your credibility,” he noted, urging attendees to develop a strong command of sports terminology while maintaining clarity and precision in their writing.
The veteran broadcaster drew clear distinctions between the roles of sports anchors, reporters, and commentators, explaining how each contributes uniquely to sports media. Anchors, he said, must remain composed and authoritative, while reporters should prioritize factual accuracy and investigative rigor.
Commentators, on the other hand, need a blend of spontaneity and deep knowledge to engage audiences during live events.A highlight of the session was Balogun’s discussion on the impact of technology, particularly robotic cameras, on modern sports broadcasting. He encouraged journalists to embrace technological advancements while staying grounded in the core principles of journalism. “Tools may change, but integrity and professionalism must remain constant,” he asserted.
Mr. Balogun also shared personal anecdotes from his career in a post-lecture interview, including the challenges he faced while covering high-profile football stories. His advice to young journalists was absolute: “Dress professionally, communicate effectively, and never let personal biases cloud your reporting.”
The lecture concluded with a lively Q&A session, where Balogun fielded questions on topics ranging from the role of artificial intelligence in journalism to the balance between passion and objectivity. His parting words resonated deeply with attendees: “A good reporter must know the rules of each sport…maximum five!
“As the event drew to a close, participants engaged in excited conversations. Many were seen taking notes on his key points, while others lined up for brief personal interactions with the veteran journalist. The session left HND 1 Journalism students with practical insights and a renewed appreciation for the professionalism required in sports journalism.
(Oyewole is a member of Group 2 – Media Coverage – Print and Online. Others are: Efe Omoregie, Sarah Sama’ila and Oluwafunmilayo Adetoro)