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Sports Reporter Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

The Ocala Star Banner , part of the USA TODAY Network, is seeking a versatile and curious reporter to join our sports team and create stories and visual content that captures the high school sports ...

To connect with us, visit www.usatodayco.com The Ocala Star Banner , part of the USA TODAY Network, is seeking a versatile and curious reporter to join our sports team and create stories and visual ...

The Ocala Star Banner , part of the USA TODAY Network, is seeking a versatile and curious reporter to join our sports team and create stories and visual content that captures the high school sports ...

Reporter/MMJ

Tampa, FL · On-site

$78K - $85K/yr

In addition to distributing sports, entertainment and syndicated content, our television stations collectively produce approximately 1,200 hours of local news every week. These stations leverage ...

Reporter/MMJ

Tampa, FL · On-site

$78K - $85K/yr

In addition to distributing sports, entertainment and syndicated content, our television stations collectively produce approximately 1,200 hours of local news every week. These stations leverage ...

Court sports include Tennis, Pickleball and Bocce Ball. As an associate of Troon , you will contribute to a global leader in racquet sports and community management. Position Summary: Provide the ...

Reporter - WFTV Orlando

Orlando, FL · On-site

$22.75 - $31/hr

Reporter - WFTV Orlando Position Overview The Reporter at WFTV Orlando works in a newsroom that emphasizes breaking news, daily investigative reporting and severe weather coverage. The Reporter has ...

Reporter/Streaming Host

Tampa, FL · On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

In addition to distributing sports, entertainment and syndicated content, our television stations ... As a reporter you will innovate, write, and deliver compelling content across every platform, from ...

Reporter - WFTV Orlando

Orlando, FL

$22.75 - $31/hr

Reporter - WFTV Orlando Position Overview The Reporter at WFTV Orlando works in a newsroom that emphasizes breaking news, daily investigative reporting and severe weather coverage. The Reporter has ...

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Showing results 1-20

Sports Reporter information

See Florida salary details

$9

$14

$16

How much do sports reporter jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for sports reporter in Florida is $14.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.74 and $15.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a sports reporter do?

A sports reporter covers sporting events, writes articles, and provides analysis on teams, athletes, and games for various media outlets such as newspapers, television, radio, or online platforms. Their work involves attending games, interviewing players and coaches, researching statistics, and staying current on sports trends. Sports reporters must be able to convey the excitement and significance of sporting events to their audience, often under tight deadlines.

What are some common challenges sports reporters face when covering live events?

Sports reporters often encounter challenges such as tight deadlines, unpredictable outcomes, and the need to provide real-time updates during live events. They must quickly process and communicate key moments, while ensuring accuracy and engaging storytelling. Additionally, navigating crowded press areas and securing post-game interviews with athletes or coaches can be competitive and fast-paced. Strong communication skills, adaptability, and thorough preparation help reporters overcome these challenges and deliver high-quality coverage.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a sports reporter, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sports Reporter, you need strong writing, interviewing, and research skills, often supported by a degree in journalism or communications. Familiarity with digital content management systems, social media platforms, and audio/video editing tools is typically required. Excellent communication, curiosity, and the ability to work under tight deadlines are standout soft skills in this role. These abilities are crucial for delivering timely, engaging, and accurate sports coverage to diverse audiences.

What is the difference between Sports Reporter vs Sports Journalist?

AspectSports ReporterSports Journalist
CredentialsJournalism degree, writing skillsJournalism degree, storytelling skills
Work EnvironmentNewsrooms, sports events, on-field reportingResearch, writing, editing, sometimes on-site
Employer & Industry UsageMedia outlets, TV stations, online platformsNewspapers, magazines, online publications
Search & Comparison IntentDifferences, roles, career pathsSimilar roles, job duties, skills

Sports Reporters primarily deliver live updates and coverage of sporting events, often working on-site or in newsrooms. Sports Journalists focus more on in-depth stories, features, and analysis, often working in print or online media. While both roles require journalism skills and industry experience, Sports Reporters tend to be more immediate and event-focused, whereas Sports Journalists emphasize storytelling and research.

How hard is it to become a sports reporter?

Becoming a sports reporter typically requires strong writing and communication skills, a good knowledge of sports, and often a degree in journalism, communications, or a related field. Entry into the profession can be competitive, and gaining experience through internships or freelance work is common before securing full-time positions.

How much money do sports reporters get paid?

Sports reporters' salaries vary based on experience, location, and the size of the media organization. Entry-level sports reporters typically earn between $30,000 and $50,000 annually, while experienced professionals can earn over $100,000. Many sports reporters also supplement their income through freelance work or media appearances.

What are the most commonly searched types of Sports Reporter jobs in Florida?

The most popular types of Sports Reporter jobs in Florida are:

What are popular job titles related to Sports Reporter jobs in Florida?

For Sports Reporter jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Sports Reporter jobs in Florida look for?

The top searched job categories for Sports Reporter jobs in Florida are:

What cities in Florida are hiring for Sports Reporter jobs?

Cities in Florida with the most Sports Reporter job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Sports Reporter jobs in FL?

For Sports Reporter jobs in FL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Sports Reporter job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $29,219 per year, or $14 per hour.

Sports Reporter, Ocala FL

Ocala, FL


gannett
Media and Telecom • 10K+ employees

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 37 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

45th of 78 rated media

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by parents


Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

The Ocala Star Banner, part of the USA TODAY Network, is seeking a versatile and curious reporter to join our sports team and create stories and visual content that captures the high school sports scene in and around Ocala, Florida. 

While the biggest games remain important, the Ocala area is growing and has a diverse sports interest. A new high school is opening in the fall of 2026, the city holds one of Florida’s biggest holiday high school basketball tournaments and, with a Summer Olympics two years away, an interest in equestrian sports will return for our readers and beyond.  

Breaking news, well-sourced enterprise, updates on teams and athletes – you'll have to do it all in words, and in visuals that fit your eye on social media. 

In the heart of Central Florida, Ocala offers a blend of small-town charm and growing economic opportunity. Known as the “Horse Capital of the World,” Ocala is home to a large equestrian scene and combines a relaxed, affordable lifestyle with convenient access to Orlando and Tampa; both are about 90 minutes away. Located at the center of the state, Ocala is also only a two-hour drive from either coastline. 

Responsibilities: 

  • Create storytelling that accurately informs, entertains and engages specific audiences and platforms through the use of metrics.
  • Work toward becoming the community’s leading voice of expertise in high school sports.
  • Connect with the community through storytelling and outreach (social media, on camera, forums, community leadership, etc.). Provide thoughtful analysis of complex issues.
  • Work with editor and content strategist to evaluate what's working and what's not and develop ongoing plans to satisfy audience needs.
  • Collaborate to provide appropriate elements for stories (i.e. photos, videos and graphics). Capture basic photos and video as needed.
  • Promote personal brand, the brands of colleagues and the institutional brand.
  • Provide great customer service, helping readers find answers and solutions. 

Requirements: 

  • Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.
  • Bachelor's or master’s degree in communications, journalism or related field preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Previous reporting experiencepreferred; even better if you've covered sports.
  • Proficiency on social media platforms; including but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Reddit.
  • Experience shooting and editing photos and video on a mobile device.
  • Strong communication skills, news judgement and headline-writing ability.
  • AI and automation literacy and experience, and willingness to use it to enhance their journalism.
  • Ability to multitask and excel under intense deadline pressure.
  • Ability to work collaboratively and efficiently.
  • Strong writing, spelling and grammar skills; familiarity with AP style.
  • Ability to work some nights and weekends.
  • Comfort building a beat and communicating with athletes and coaches. 

Application Instructions: 

We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, don’t limit your upload to a resume; show us what you’ve done. To do so, put together a single document file that includes the following, in this order:

  • Your resume – one to two pages.
  • A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.
  • Links to 3-6 online samples of your work. Show us what you’ve produced or had a hand in that best reflects what you can do in your desired role. 

It is important that these items be assembled into a single document and uploaded in PDF format. Completing these steps will ensure that your application receives the highest consideration. 

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