Six leading members of the FWA attended the inaugural Sports Media Forum in Egypt’s capital.
The Football Writers’ Association were well represented at the inaugural Sports Media Forum in Cairo at the beginning of September, where six prominent FWA members made presentations to media organisations, sports reporters and student journalists from Egypt and the wider region.
Paul McCarthy, FWA chief executive, spoke about the need for integrity in journalism, and also joined a panel discussing social media in sport.
Gerry Cox, former FWA chair, discussed the transition he and his agency Hayters has experienced from primarily print journalism to TV and digital over the past 30 years, and outlined to organisations and young journalists how best to embrace multi-media journalism.
Joel Beya of the national executive committee explained how he and his organisation Cheeky Sport thrive on Instagram and other channels, and gave young journalists a master-class in best practice.
Geoff Shreeves, former pitchside presenter for Sky Sports and now with CBS, discussed the Art of the Interview, while Alison Bender explained how to make the most of your presence and brand as an individual working in sport and especially channels such as Tik Tok and Instagram.
Finally Tony Pastor, co-founder of Goalhanger, outlined how they have become one of the leading podcasters in the world, and also sat on one of the panel discussions.
Feedback from organisers and participants was very positive and it looks like the FWA will be back for next year’s event. It was also discussed that some of the FWA members attending will be able to offer work experience and mentorship to some of Cairo’s student journalists.
The party were also given a tour of the TV and Radio studios of On Sports, Egypt’s leading sports broadcaster, and Paul McCarthy discussed the FWA’s visit on a popular radio show.
Our thanks to Egypt Media Forum, Sports United, 30 Degrees North and their staff for inviting us and making it a memorable visit. We look forward to returning next year.
