Lagos, Nigeria – 25 November, 2025
Renowned media expert and former General Manager of Lagos Television (LTV8), Mr. Deji
Balogun, captivated an audience of aspiring journalists with an insightful lecture on the
intricacies of sports reporting. The event, held at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ),
provided a rare glimpse into the professional standards and evolving techniques of sports
journalism.
Balogun, whose distinguished career spans decades, emphasized the critical importance of
mastering the specialized language of sports reporting. “The words you choose can elevate or
undermine your credibility,” he noted, urging attendees to develop a strong command of sports
terminology while maintaining clarity and precision in their writing.
The veteran broadcaster drew clear distinctions between the roles of sports anchors, reporters,
and commentators, explaining how each contributes uniquely to sports media. Anchors, he said,
must remain composed and authoritative, while reporters should prioritize factual accuracy and
investigative rigor. Commentators, on the other hand, need a blend of spontaneity and deep
knowledge to engage audiences during live events.
A highlight of the session was Balogun’s discussion on the impact of technology, particularly
robotic cameras, on modern sports broadcasting. He encouraged journalists to embrace
technological advancements while staying grounded in the core principles of journalism. “Tools
may change, but integrity and professionalism must remain constant,” he asserted.
Mr. Balogun also shared personal anecdotes from his career in a post-lecture interview,
including the challenges he faced while covering high-profile football stories. His advice to
young journalists was absolute: “Dress professionally, communicate effectively, and never let
personal biases cloud your reporting.”
The lecture concluded with a lively Q&A session, where Balogun fielded questions on topics
ranging from the role of artificial intelligence in journalism to the balance between passion and
objectivity. His parting words resonated deeply with attendees: “A good reporter must know the
rules of each sport…maximum five!”
As the event drew to a close, participants engaged in excited conversations. Many were seen
taking notes on his key points, while others lined up for brief personal interactions with the
veteran journalist. The session left HND 1 Journalism students with practical insights and a
renewed appreciation for the professionalism required in sports journalism.