Luis Villarejo, Sports Director at EFE and professor at the Master in communication and Sports Journalism (English and Spanish taught), told us about the qualities that a good sports journalist must have, and what it is that he is looking for in this students during the master. This master has been developed thinking about and for the professional development of the students. It has been designed for the students to learn professional work routines in the sports editorial departments. All the chair of professors is composed by journalists and technicians that will guide the students during their work placements and internships.
What are the skills you think that a good sports journalist must have?
Sports journalism has several genres and styles. You can find the reporter, the writer, the analysts, the department directors and so on. Journalism is very rich, and the audiovisual sports world is pretty similar too: you can find the TV presenters, reporters, commentators (who are key to radio) etc. There is a very wide range of roles. Within this context, and regardless of what you want to make of your professional life, you have to be passionate. You have to love your profession. This is a job that you’ll be in 24/7, and something that you have to be paying attention to all the time… I think that the passion for what you do is the most important characteristic of our students. From there, it is key to have a journalistic mindset, being sensitive, knowing how to write and communicate, being active in social media and being versatile. I think that in fact, the most important skill of the 221t century journalists is being versatile.
What would you demand of your students during the practical case study during the master?
To our students at the Real Madrid Graduate School, we ask them to be passionate about what they do, to have interest in the profession. There is also a lot of empathy between the chair of professors and the students since this master began. We also ask them to be engaged with the master, as this is key for both sides in order to learn and enjoy the journey.
What will the students who study this master find at the School?
They’ll find a university with a highly qualified chair of professors, great facilities, and of course the amazing partnership with the Real Madrid F.C. Students have a unique opportunity when they join this master of visiting the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, meeting the football and the basketball team, learning about all the working methods of the clubs and of a huge multinational company such as Real Madrid, the number one team in Spain and the world. I think this is a unique opportunity to work closely with the players, to learn about their environment and the atmosphere in Valdebebas. It is an unforgettable experience. It is a great environment for work experiences and internships. They can work on the Real Madrid TV, website, media… And this is just like real sports journalism.
What’s the tip you’ve never forgotten?
I was given a tip at the very beginning, but it is true that times have changed. I think that people must have a diverse background, read a lot, travel as much as you can and discover the world. I’ve managed to make my favourite hobby my career, so this is why my tip is to live and reach for your dreams. As a child you dream about becoming a football player, then journalist but then you must have the will and the strength of believing that you can be whatever you want, including a professional sports journalist. Follow your dreams, believe in yourself and know that if you work hard for it, you’ll reach it.