Ultra HD cameras, extensive player analysis, glitzy opening ceremonies, cash prizes and sponsorships --- modern-day sports is a glamorous business. Despite the overhaul in its production and distribution, the one thing that has remained constant (apart from the game) is the sports journalist, a role that bridges the gap between the players and the audiences.
The Heritage Academy’s department of media science featured sports commentator, presenter and cricket anchor Gautam Bhimani as part of their webinar series, JournoSCOPE 2021. In the session ‘sports journalism: opportunities and drawbacks’, Bhimani drew on his experiences both on and off the field. Here are our takeaways from his session.
Carve your own niche: While he started off as a quizmaster and radio jockey, Bhimani found his passion for cricket in 2001 with the show, Harsha Online, during the Indian cricket team’s Zimbabwe tour. Bhimani explained how it led to him develop his own style, stressing the need to carve one’s niche in this field.
Be yourself: Among the various qualities a sports journalist should possess, Bhimani put a great deal of importance to authenticity, asking students to be themselves.
Take on new challenges: He encouraged students to take on challenges by recounting the time when he faced world-class fast bowler Wasim Akram. Although he got injured during the spell and carried the scar for several years, he valued the incident for bringing him out of his comfort zone and allowing him to discover something new.
Be light-hearted: Bhimani said his light-heartedness and self-deprecatory attitude has helped him survive in this industry which can be brutal.
Adapt to the new: Covering the IPL on Cricbuzz through an online live show is an instance of how Bhimani has adapted to the online medium. The ability to adapt to any given situation can literally “change the game”, he said.
Love what you do: Bhimani echoed the age-old belief that one thrives the best when one pursues a career in the field one is interested in. If passion can merge with the profession, the hard work is worth it.
(Joyeta Chakraborty is a second-year undergraduate student of media science at The Heritage Academy)
