Newspaper sportswriting or sports information

I've been a small-paper sports editor (10,000 circ.) for 12 years, but may have an opportunity to jump into an Asst. SID position at a university. Has anyone out there made this jump? Pros/Cons? Has the change been a revelation for you, or would you go back to newspapers first chance you got?

 

Take the SID job.

 

I've never quite understood the appeal of sports information. Aren't the hours just as bad and the pay just as low? I suppose I can see it if you're young and want to climb the ladder into administration some day. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

That being said, I suppose that newspapers are dying, and team Web sites are one of the million reasons why. You're not just passing out stats and game notes on that job any more. You've become another media source. I'm sure sports PR is a lot more sophisticated and engaging than it was 10-20 years ago.

 

You're choosing between bad and worse, but SIDs have better job security.

 

SIDs might have better job security, but there are a lot of other benefits, too. Depending on how the college operates, you may be able to take classes for free or at a greatly reduced rate. Take advantage of that as soon as you can. Find a master's program you like and get busy. I did that and got a job teaching college journalism right after I finished my master's, and, because of the college's discount, I spent less than $1,000 on my degree.

 

Excellent points. Also, if it's a state university, you probably get one hell of a benefits package.

 

I would much rather deal with a handful of coaches and administrators than dozens of Little League parents.

Take the SID job.

 

Take the SID job, no doubt.

 

Take it. Better job security. The hours stink at either job.

 

Another vote for the SID job.

As long as the school has athletics, they'll need you, as opposed to a newspaper that is more concerned about its profit margins.

 

It doesn't hurt to apply. Be prepared to compete against unpaid interns who have handed out keychains at games, though.

 

That right there is all you need to know. I'd take the SID position.