Practical, diverse, and off the beaten path: The fourth edition of the “Sports Journalism” workshop at FHWien der WKW offered aspiring media professionals exciting insights into the work of modern sports newsrooms. Over the course of one week, participants immersed themselves in the core disciplines of sports journalism – from TV presenting and live commentary to on-location video production.
Intensive Training Days for Aspiring Media Professionals
The workshop was led by Martin Reichenauer, Academic Expert & Lecturer for TV & Video and a long-time sports journalist. Together with renowned guest lecturers, he guided participants through a dense and varied program.
The workshop began with two key modules: presenting and commentary. In addition to hands-on training in realistic studio conditions, participants received intensive live commentary coaching from Mark Michael Nanseck, former Head of Sports at ATV. The focus was on analyzing scenes from sports broadcasts in real time, mastering language, pacing, and building excitement.
On-Location Video Shoot and Newsroom Insights at Kurier
Mid-week featured a special highlight: a video shoot at First Vienna FC, Austria’s oldest football club. Filming took place at the new training campus, part of the club’s “Mission 2026” – the declared goal of promotion to the Bundesliga in the upcoming season. Professional support came from Patrick Maurer, Senior Video Editor at LAOLA1, and sports presenter Michael Tiroch.
Another highlight was the visit to the sports newsroom of Kurier. FH graduate and sports journalist Stefan Berndl provided an authentic look into daily editorial operations and explained the process behind creating a sports podcast – with a focus on lesser-covered sports like basketball and field hockey. Challenges such as talent development and increasing media visibility for niche sports were discussed in depth.
Sports Journalism and Media Relations
To round off the week, Susanne Polansky, long-time press officer for Austria’s men’s national football team, shared her experiences in communication at major international events. She vividly described how media work is handled around a European Championship – and how dynamics off the pitch can influence a team’s success.
Diverse, Educational, and Inspiring
“Our goal was to provide participants with practical insights into the everyday life of sports journalists,” said workshop leader Martin Reichenauer. “The group was a strong mix of newcomers and young professionals: all of them skilled, curious, and visibly passionate.”
Participants’ feedback was also overwhelmingly positive: the strong practical orientation, high level of expertise of the lecturers, and the individualized feedback were especially appreciated. The varied and challenging week not only equipped them with technical skills but also offered fresh perspectives on sports journalism beyond the usual headlines.
Interested? Pre-registration for the next workshop in July 2026 is already open. Sign up for the waiting list at the link below and secure your spot! More information about the workshop is available at: fh-wien.ac.at/sportjournalismus