NBA All-Star Weekend gives students behind-the-scenes media experience
After being in the sports media industry for over two decades, Mike Wells had reached his professional goals. With credentials and experience under his belt, he was ready to pay it forward. The best way to do that? Use his knowledge of the industry and pass it on to the students at IU.
Wells saw an opportunity to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world experience by immersing students in the dynamic realm of sports journalism.
“I knew the All-Star Game was coming,” said Wells, Media School lecturer of Sports Media Laboratory, a course that focuses on the production of professional-caliber sports media content. “And I was like, it would it be great to get some students here.”
So, that’s what he did. With the help of Galen Clavio – the Media School Director of Undergraduate Studies, associate professor, and director of the National Sports Journalism Center – and his connections in the NBA, he created a reporting course revolving around the NBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis, last weekend of February 18.
“Instead of just posting as a regular class, and the first ten students register, we made an application process where they had to submit resumes and clips,” Wells explains.
Wells wanted a small group of students with an innate passion for reporting.
“It wasn’t just about taking a student who likes the NBA. I want somebody who has an interest in journalism and has a passion about wanting to get their best work out of the weekend.” Wells explains, highlighting the rigorous application process that emphasized students’ dedication and commitment to their craft.
In the classroom, the focus extended beyond basketball. Students were encouraged to explore various facets of sports media, from interviewing coaches and players to analyzing the economic impact of sporting events. Guest speakers, including seasoned journalists and PR professionals, provided valuable insights into the ever-evolving landscape of sports media.
Mason Williams is a senior studying sports media with a concentration in sports journalism. He took the course not only because it gave him a chance to report on the NBA but also because it provided real-world experience and networking opportunities.
“We’ve spent a lot of time talking with guest speakers. We’ve had PR people from the industry, we’ve had reporters, we’ve had radio and broadcast play-by-play commentators. Just a lot of different unique perspectives on, in, and around the NBA that have come in and shared their insights with us.”
In the weeks leading up to the game, students were assigned to a story that was centered around the All-Star Game. Whether it was a preview story or a story highlighting a central player, it allowed students to hone their reporting skills. Williams’ article, published in the Indiana Daily Student this semester, highlighted how the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed the game back.
Then, everything came together this past week as Wells’ class headed to Indianapolis Thursday night to begin covering the game.
The 10 students were split up with different students having access on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Four students covered the Friday night festivities, which included the Rising Stars game. Three students covered the Saturday night slam dunk contest and three-point competition, and then three students covered the All-Star Game on Sunday.
“Friday morning, I was at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis,” said Williams, “to talk to the rising stars and coaches. Friday night, I was then in the arena for the Rising Stars Challenge. That was an 18-hour day, from waking up, getting down to Indianapolis and picking up credentials, getting situated… It’s been hectic, it’s been real, and it’s been something that’s been eye-opening, but a welcome challenge.”
Williams explained that you hear a lot about different media environments, but it is another thing to actually experience them. To be able to rub shoulders with people in the industry is not only interesting, but it’s a valuable networking experience that benefits students for years to come.
“There is a bonus to having an experience like this, not only in resume building, but in our own personal minds.”
Reflecting on the entire experience, Wells expressed immense satisfaction. While acknowledging a few minor hiccups that come with any live event, he emphasized that the students’ adaptability, professionalism, and eagerness to learn far exceeded his expectations.
“They fit right in. I lost track of the number of times that other reporters or NBA media officials came up to me and said, ‘Your students are doing a great job. They are asking great questions.’”
The students had the same media access as all the other reporters, allowing them to interview the best basketball players in the world. Some students even got to interview players one-on-one, having exclusive moments with famous talent.
“It was that proud teacher moment inside of me. This student is not afraid to ask questions by themselves, and they embraced it. They asked excellent questions, and it was great to see them walk back into the media room with a smile on their face, knowing they did things the right way.”
The impact of this class extends beyond the All-Star Weekend. Not only does Wells want his students to cover stories post All-Star game, but he also envisions more opportunities for IU media students to cover large events, emphasizing the importance of experiential learning in preparing them for successful careers.