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World Sports Journalists Day – July 2, 2024

World Sports Journalists Day is celebrated every year on July 2. Also referred to as International Sports Journalists Day, the holiday was created in 1994 by the International Sports Press Association to celebrate its 70th anniversary. Sports journalism developed during the 1800s but was centered on elitist sports and was more focused on reporting the social context of sports events. In the 1920s, the profession began to take shape as newspapers dedicated more time and space to sports journalism.

History of World Sports Journalists Day

In 1994, the International Sports Press Association (A.I.P.S.) celebrated World Sports Journalists Day for the first time in honor of its 70th anniversary. In 1924, the A.I.P.S. was founded in Paris, France as the L’Association Internationale de la Presse Sportive. However, the association is now headquartered in the Olympic capital of Lausanne, Switzerland. The A.I.P.S. is an independent organization with 160 member associations, from which it receives funding through membership fees and the contributions of other international bodies and federations.

According to its website, the aim of the A.I.P.S. is “to enhance the cooperation between its member associations in defending sport and the professional interest of members, to strengthen the friendship, solidarity, and common interests between sports journalists of all nations, and to assure the best possible working conditions for members.”

Sports journalism is a type of writing that focuses on sports-centered topics. Sports journalism developed in the 1800s, specifically the 1820s and 1830s. At the onset, reporting focused primarily on elite sports such as horse racing and boxing, mainly targeted at the upper class since newspapers were beyond the reach of the masses. However, the development of the penny press opened the door to affordable newspaper production, ultimately making them more accessible to the lower strata of society. The 20th century witnessed a massive boom in the popularity of sports journalism. In 1880, only 0.4% of space was dedicated to sports in newspapers. This figure rose to 20% by the 1920s, as newspapers began hiring reporters exclusively for sports coverage. Today, sports journalism utilizes not only print media but also radio, television, and the Internet.

World Sports Journalists Day timeline

1820 —1830s
Sports Journalism Takes Off

The era of sports journalism begins.

1883
The First Sports Department is Created

The first full-time newspaper sports department is created in the “New York World.”

1924
A.I.P.S. is Founded

The International Sports Press Association is founded in Paris, France during the Olympic Games.

1994
World Sports Journalists Day is Inaugurated

World Sports Journalists Day is created by the A.I.P.S.

World Sports Journalists Day FAQs

How many members does the A.I.P.S. have?

The A.I.P.S. has over 9,500 members in several countries.

Who is the head of A.I.P.S.?

The president of A.I.P.S. is Gianni Merlo.

Do you need a degree to become a sports journalist?

To become a sports journalist, it is advisable to pursue a degree in journalism.

World Sports Journalists Day Activities

  1. Read a sports segment

    Celebrate by paging through a sports segment in a newspaper or magazine. It might feel different from watching live sports, but it might just prove to be a unique experience.

  2. Watch or listen to a sports broadcast

    Even if you’re not a big fan of sports, try watching or listening to a sports broadcast to celebrate this day. If for no other reason, it’ll broaden your knowledge.

  3. Use the hashtag

    Spread awareness about World Sports Journalists Day! Use the hashtag #worldsportsjournalistsday on a post online.

5 Facts About Sports Journalists

  1. Dana Jacobson

    Jacobson co-hosts “This Morning Saturday” on C.B.S. and has also covered the Olympics.

  2. Carolina Guillen

    One of the most influential sports personalities on social media, Guillen works as a journalist at E.S.P.N.

  3. Kenny Albert

    Son of legendary sportscaster, Marv Albert, Kenny is an award-winning sports commentator.

  4. Jonathan Wilson

    An influential sports personality, Wilson is the founder and editor of a football journal called “The Blizzard.”

  5. Rick Reilly

    Reilly is currently a columnist at E.S.P.N. and has been included in the U.S. National Sportswriters and Sportscasters Hall of Fame.

Why We Love World Sports Journalists Day

  1. It appreciates the work of sports journalists

    This holiday recognizes and appreciates the outstanding work that sports journalists do. It shines the spotlight on the honorable profession that is sports journalism.

  2. It’s an opportunity to celebrate sports

    Sports is one thing that unites people all around the world, regardless of race, language, or class. So sports deserves to be celebrated on this awe-inspiring day.

  3. It celebrates the A.I.P.S

    This holiday also celebrates the International Sports Press Association. Without them, World Sports Journalists Day wouldn’t exist.

World Sports Journalists Day dates

YearDateDay
2024July 2Tuesday
2025July 2Wednesday
2026July 2Thursday
2027July 2Friday
2028July 2Sunday

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