High School Students Gain Industry Insights at First Sports Media and Business Academy

The Center for Sports Media, in partnership with the Division of Continuing Education and Professional Development, recently celebrated the successful conclusion of its first Sports Media and Business Academy, a new pre-college program aimed at providing high school students with an in-depth understanding of the rapidly evolving sports industry. The course, which ran from July 15-19 on the South Orange campus, brought together students with a passion for sports and a desire to learn about the business and media facets of the field.

Throughout the week, participants engaged in a variety of interactive sessions covering a broad spectrum of topics, including the economic forces driving the sports industry, the role of media in shaping public perception, and the ethical challenges facing modern sports. The program’s curriculum was designed to not only highlight the business side of sports but also to encourage critical thinking about the social impact of sports on issues such as race, gender equality, and amateurism.

Executive Director of Seton Hall’s Center for Sports Media B.J. Schecter led the Academy, drawing on his extensive experience in the sports media industry. The program featured guest speakers from prominent sports organizations and media outlets, who shared their insights and offered students a glimpse into the professional world they aspire to enter. Guests included Peter King, John Fanta, Matt Loughlin, Charles Grantham, Len DeLuca, Bob Boland and Devon Corneal. In total, Schecter brought in 10 industry experts in the five days.

"It was an extraordinary opportunity for these young students to dive deep into the complexities of the sports industry," said Schecter. "Our goal was to provide them with not just knowledge, but also the tools to think critically and creatively about the future of sports. We had some incredible professionals share their expertise, and the students really rose to the occasion, contributing fresh ideas and perspectives."

The hands-on approach and exposure to industry leaders provided students with a unique, immersive experience that many described as transformative. 
Although the guests spoke about various aspects of the sports industry, many shared similar key lessons. They advised students about the need to develop relationships, while also earning trust in those relationships. Another key lesson was that everybody needs to be adaptable as the sports industry is constantly evolving. To be successful, you must stay ahead of that curve, and to do so, it is important to adapt to new changes. Finally, the last key lesson that all the guest speakers touched on was saying yes to any opportunity. Everyone should say yes to all opportunities, even if it is something you may not want to do as it may open other paths for success.

King, a three-time winner of Sportswriter of the Year, advised the students, "If you want to be in sports media, everything has to be open. You can’t predict where the business is going to take you – you just can’t. You want to stand out. You’re going to get ahead by standing out there, being curious, and being your own person."

Even though a lot was covered in a short period of time, students had time to reflect on current events that are altering the sports industry, including the major discussion regarding NIL (Name, Image and Likeliness). Besides the in-class learning, students also had the opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at Seton Hall’s award-winning radio station, WSOU, and the school’s television and athletic facilities.

"The speakers and sessions were beyond what I expected," said Irfan Navsariwala, a rising high school senior from Southern California who served as a teaching assistant. "I learned so much about the different career paths in sports and how to think about sports in a broader context. The week has definitely shaped how I see my future in this field." Navsariwala has plans to apply to Seton Hall.

The success of the inaugural Sports Media and Business Academy has set the stage for future iterations of the program, as Seton Hall continues to expand its offerings in sports education.

"This was just the beginning," said Schecter. "We have ambitious plans to bring more programs like the Sports Media and Business Academy to students across the country. We will continue study and innovate in a field that is evolving by the minute." He added, "Plus, I predict many of the attendees will be future Pirates due to their positive experience at the Academy!"

About Seton Hall's Center for Sports Media

The Center for Sports Media at Seton Hall University, part of the College of Human Development, Culture, and Media, stands at the crossroads of sports, media, and societal issues. Founded in 2021 with a vision inspired by the pioneering work of Bob Ley and his groundbreaking show Outside the Lines, the Center is dedicated to training the next generation of leaders in sports media and business. Through a combination of academic rigor, practical experience, and industry partnerships, the Center is shaping the future of sports media education, while reinforcing Seton Hall's commitment to ethical leadership and community engagement. 

Categories: Athletics, Business