Seth Davis

“read. Read. READ.”  It’s Seth Davis’s biggest piece of advice for budding sports journalists, or anyone, really. 

Seth Davis, college basketball reporter at CBS and Managing Editor at The Athletic, is one of the biggest names in college hoops journalism. He says read not just to get ahead, but read for enjoyment. Learning how to structure a story and command language is integral to anyone working in this industry, Seth says.

Seth also talks about advice for young professionals, how to survive as an on-air journalist, networking effectively, and much more. 

Time Stamps

1:48 - What’s your biggest piece of advice to anyone trying to start in sports journalism? 

8:32 - Any advice for anyone who is interested but hesitant to enter Sports Media?

9:55 - How to interview GMs or players without connections?

12:24 - What do you regret not getting to see in March Madness 2020? 

16:28 - How do you respond to something on-air that throws you off? 

18:07 - Favorite sports book? 

23:37 - Do’s and Don’ts of interviewing? 

31:36 - Is it OK to start a journalism career at a newspaper first? 

34:53 - Benefits for students in National Basketball Writers Association

36:25 - Who are your mentors and role models? 

38:55 - How did you kickstart your career? 

39:53 - Favorite type of story? 

43:23 - Did you ever struggle with speech or diction as a reporter? 

43:48 - How do you draw the line: annoying someone or keeping up a connection? 

44:54 - How do develop an on-air voice? 

49:04 - Did you find your way to The Athletic, or did they find you? 

52:01 - What are your sideline reporting and first job tips? 

54:19 - How to hone broadcast and journalism schools while at home? 

57:00 - I’ve been taught “the best interviewers are good listeners.” Agree? 

57:35 - What’s your focus to make sure you are professional on camera?

1:00:12 - Tips for transcribing interviews? 

1:01:38 - Did you overlap with Lars Anderson at Sports Illustrated? 

1:02:20 - What do you do when you get writer’s block?