Sports Columnist

The Courier Journal, part of the USA Today Network, is looking for a Sports Columnist who brings a strong voice and deep understanding of the Louisville area and what fans in Kentucky care about most. The state is home to two of the highest grossing teams in college basketball, the University of Louisville and the University of Kentucky. While this has long been true, this is a pivotal time in college sports where college football revenue has never been more important for the overall success of an athletic department and new rights granted to college athletes will drastically change how these departments are run and where money is invested. This impacts every aspect of a university’s athletic department, including where fans can watch games, hirings, firings, roster construction and on-court/on-field success. As the landscape continues to change and sports culture continues to evolve, this columnist will take readers inside the programs and teams they care about most.With sports – from college basketball and college football to the Kentucky Derby and high school athletics – baked into the fabric of Louisville, we need a well-sourced veteran journalist who understands the people who live here, the fans who passionately support the teams, and can write with authority. The Courier Journal Sports Columnist will provide analysis and commentary about the programs and issues this community cares about most while offering a deeper look at how recording-setting revenue growth tied to broadcast rights will continue to create significant separation between the five most powerful conferences in college sports and, as a result, resources for the state’s two biggest fanbases in the University of Louisville and the University of Kentucky. As the Southeastern Conference, and its schools like UK, continue to pull away from the Atlantic Coast Conference and its institutions, like U of L, this columnist will analyze the impact of those realities and help readers understand the role they play as teams enjoy success and others struggle to meet the longstanding expectations fans throughout the commonwealth have for their teams.This columnist will serve as a leader in The Courier Journal sports department. The person in this role will work closely with editors and reporters to find unique ways to connect with the community and start conversations about the challenges and successes of teams in the area. This sports columnist will be the leading voice for college basketball and college football coverage at the CJ while also providing well-reported commentary and analysis for other sectors of the local sports community – including, but not limited to, high school sports, the Kentucky Derby, Racing Louisville FC, Louisville City FC and the Louisville Bats – when needed. This person’s mission will be to help people in Louisville and the surrounding area better understand the teams and people they root for while finding unique ways to educate people about the changing college sports landscape and what the future could hold for their favorite teams and programs. Key attributes for successVeteran journalist with an established voice, sources in college sports and a deep understanding of sports culture in Louisville and the surrounding area.Comfortable challenging the status quo and able to clearly articulate and support strong opinions.An ability and willingness to engage with fans and audiences through video commentary, podcasting, and social media, in addition to their regular columns.A conversation starter who regularly develops insightful ideas and is collaborative. Please include a cover letter detailing how you would approach this role. Examples of your work can be sent to Courier Journal sports director Natalie Pierre at npierre@gannett.com.#Content

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