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Sports Reporter Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

gannett

Sports Reporter

Memphis, TN · On-site

The Commercial Appeal , part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, seeks a high-energy writer who can own high school sports in the Memphis area. We are seeking a dynamic reporter who is digitally savvy and ...

gannett

Sports Reporter

Memphis, TN

The Commercial Appeal , part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, seeks a high-energy writer who can own high school sports in the Memphis area. We are seeking a dynamic reporter who is digitally savvy and ...

Gannett Co., Inc.

Sports Reporter

Memphis, TN · On-site

The reporter will need to be proficient in shooting vertical video for game highlights and work closely, and collaboratively with the Tennessee high school sports staff across the state. Aggressive ...

gannett

High School Sports Reporter

Jackson, TN

The Jackson Sun, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is seeking a hard-working and energetic sports reporter to lead our vast high school sports coverage in Madison County, Tennessee and the surrounding ...

gannett

High School Sports Reporter

Jackson, TN · On-site

The Jackson Sun, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is seeking a hard-working and energetic sports reporter to lead our vast high school sports coverage in Madison County, Tennessee and the surrounding ...

gannett

High School Sports Reporter

Clarksville, TN · On-site

The Leaf Chronicle , part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, seeks a high-energy writer who can own high school sports in Clarksville, Tennessee. We are seeking a dynamic reporter who is digitally savvy and ...

gannett

High School Sports Reporter

Clarksville, TN

The Leaf Chronicle , part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, seeks a high-energy writer who can own high school sports in Clarksville, Tennessee. We are seeking a dynamic reporter who is digitally savvy and ...

Tribune Media

Reporter

Memphis, TN

Reporter will work with a photojournalist each day to news gather, report and go live for the ... news, sports, artistic, social or other functions * Pitches stories to news managers and news ...

WOWK-TV

Reporter

Memphis, TN

Reporter will work with a photojournalist each day to news gather, report and go live for the ... news, sports, artistic, social or other functions * Pitches stories to news managers and news ...

Nexstar Media Group

Reporter

Memphis, TN · On-site

Reporter will work with a photojournalist each day to news gather, report and go live for the ... news, sports, artistic, social or other functions * Pitches stories to news managers and news ...

Digital Remedy

Sports Anchor

Nashville, TN

Sports Anchor / Reporter / MMJ If you're passionate about sports, thrive on breaking stories, and know how to connect with audiences beyond the final score, WZTV wants to hear from you. We're looking ...

Sinclair Broadcast Group

Sports Anchor

Nashville, TN · On-site

Sports Anchor / Reporter / MMJ If you're passionate about sports, thrive on breaking stories, and know how to connect with audiences beyond the final score, WZTV wants to hear from you. We're looking ...

Gannett Co., Inc.

Auto Industry Reporter

Nashville, TN · On-site

Based in Nashville, this reporter will be close to major operations and suppliers tied to Ford, General Motors, Nissan, Volkswagen, Mitsubishi and a rapidly expanding network of battery manufacturers ...

gannett

Auto Industry Reporter

Nashville, TN · On-site

USA TODAY Co. is seeking an ambitious reporter to lead national coverage of the South's rapidly evolving auto industry, where billions of dollars in vehicle, battery and advanced-manufacturing ...

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All JobsSports Reporter JobsSports Reporter Jobs in Tennessee

Sports Reporter information

See Tennessee salary details

$11

$17

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How much do sports reporter jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for sports reporter in Tennessee is $17.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.48 and $18.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What degree do you need to be a sports reporter?

A sports reporter typically needs a bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or a related field. Strong writing, reporting skills, and knowledge of sports are essential, and some positions may prefer candidates with experience or internships in media or sports 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.

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.

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.

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 field can be competitive, and gaining experience through internships or freelance work is common to build a portfolio and improve job prospects.

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.
More about Sports Reporter jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Sports Reporter jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Sports Reporter jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Sports Reporter jobs in Tennessee? For Sports Reporter jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Sports Reporter jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Sports Reporter jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Sports Reporter jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Sports Reporter job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Sports Reporter jobs in TN? For Sports Reporter jobs in TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Sports Reporter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sports Reporter job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,487 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Sports Reporter

gannett

Memphis, TN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

Gannett rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 36 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 76 rated media

Job description

The Commercial Appeal, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, seeks a high-energy writer who can own high school sports in the Memphis area.  We are seeking a dynamic reporter who is digitally savvy and committed to leading the conversation in a competitive market.  The ideal candidate will use reporting skills to find and tell compelling human-interest stories and identify interesting trends for enterprise stories that go beyond what happened in the game. This position requires multimedia skills and the ability to engage audiences on social media. The reporter must be SEO savvy, can spot high-interest topics using engagement tools like Google Trends and can work independently but also thrive in collaborative environments. 

The reporter will need to be proficient in shooting vertical video for game highlights and work closely, and collaboratively with the Tennessee high school sports staff across the state. Aggressive pursuit of breaking news in the high school sports world will be a focus, like coaching changes and high school athletes' college commitments/signings. Writing on potential trending news will be an important component. Developing relationships with schools, administrators, and coaches will be crucial in this position.

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:

  • 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, X, Instagram and Reddit.
  • Experience shooting and editing photos and video on a mobile device.
  • Strong communication skills, news judgement and headline-writing ability.
  • 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 nights and weekends.
  • Comfort building a beat and communicating with athletes and coaches.
  • This role requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.

How to Apply:

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:

  1. Your resume – one to two pages.
  2. A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.
  3. Links to 3-6 online samples of your work.

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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