With the introduction of the new Sports Media major, Klein Global Opportunities debuted the Sports Media in London: Sports Media, Management, and Culture in the Global Marketplace program this fall. Over winter break, a group of 15 Klein College of Media and Communication students immersed themselves in London’s sports media landscape, spending 10 jam-packed days visiting communications directors, advertising agencies and even the president and CEO of a professional basketball team.
The experience began with six weeks of preparatory classes, where students explored the history of sports, learned about sport fandom and studied the United Kingdom’s ever-changing media landscape. With a special guest lecture from Professor Gary Crawford, a professor at Salford University in Manchester, and several other media professionals, students were able to begin brainstorming the topics for their final projects that would encapsulate their learnings throughout their travels.
Expanding Horizons of the Sports Media Landscape
With most students completing either the BA in Sports Media or the Sports Media certificate programs, the London program allowed them to experience their potential career paths at an international level. Furthermore, students were exposed to jobs that they were originally unaware of could involve their interests in sports and media.
“After experiencing London, I realized how open I would be to working abroad after graduation,” said Danny Mezquita, a junior sports media major. “The different meetings also showed me how many opportunities there are in sports, both in the U.S. and across the rest of the world.”
The experience encouraged students to think more about their professional futures and the global nature of the sports media industry. By stepping outside of the traditional classroom setting, participants were able to connect their academic studies to real-world applications while also building their confidence in navigating unfamiliar environments. For many students, the program not only expanded their understanding of the sports media industry but also potentially reshaped their long-term aspirations.
An Inside View of London’s Sports Media Scene
After the students landed in London, the adventure started with a group dinner where they got their first taste of life in England. The group spent their first full day exploring, taking a guided tour of the historic SoHo, before splitting up to give students time for their own exploration. The following eight days would be packed with visits to advertising agencies, sports games and even a Q&A with the owners of a chain of Philadelphia-themed pubs in London called Passyunk Avenue.
Across the 10-day trip, the students were able to pack in a massive number of business meetings with some high-profile sports figures. Some of these visits included:
The London Lions, where students got a unique experience to interview the President and CEO of the London-based basketball team. The group then got the chance to attend a game, where they brought the Philadelphia spirit to the Copper Box Arena.
Chelsea FC, where students got a one-on-one talk with Nadia Shahrestani, the business operations director for Chelsea Women’s. Following the meeting, students received a tour of Chelsea’s stadium, Stamford Bridge.
MLB Europe, where students learned from Maria O’Connor, head of communications, and Ben Ladkin, managing director, about the MLB’s efforts to expand baseball into England and heard about the different marketing efforts they have created.
Brothers & Sisters, where students viewed a presentation from the CEO, Andy Fowler, who showed his array of sports advertising campaigns he has been a part of, most notably being part of the Grenfell FC and Nike collaboration.
NFL Europe/Asia, where students got an exclusive talk with Brett Gosper, managing director, and took a deeper look into the NFL’s plans to grow American football into new markets.
Gerald Sagoe, a director and filmmaker who previously worked for Sky and Chelsea FC, gave the students a first-hand account of working as a freelancer and the importance of personal branding.
Passyunk Avenue, where students interviewed a panel of figures: the owner of the Philadelphia-themed bars and restaurants, a sports videographer and a UK NFL presenter, who each gave their own accounts of their careers and a deeper insight into sports culture in London.
Millwall FC, where students got to interview the director of communications, Max Mclellan, who gave an incredibly interesting talk about what it is like working for a soccer team in England. Following the interview, the students attended a Millwall game, a team many of the students now support from Philadelphia.
talkSport, where the students got to speak with senior U.S. reporter, Brian Smith, who gave an interesting account of his career journey and what it is like being an American working in UK sports.
Even with their rigorous schedule, the students found ample time to explore the city independently and in groups. They visited museums, well-known food spots and even got a tour and a lesson on the history of soccer and rugby at Allianz Stadium, formerly known as Twickenham Stadium, the home of London's Rugby teams.
A Lasting Impact on Future Storytellers
For some students, the trip reinforced both their passion for and understanding of the media industry. For Marlee Myers, a junior media studies and production major, the experience provided a global perspective on sports media.
“Being in London allowed me to see firsthand how global sports organizations operate and how media plays a role on an international level,” Myers said.
She added that the trip reinforced her passion for working in sports media and storytelling. Seeing iconic venues and learning how sports are covered abroad gave her a greater appreciation for the global reach of sports media.
The first rendition of the Sports Media in London: Sports Media, Management, and Culture in the Global Marketplace program provided students with an unforgettable introduction to the global sports media industry, setting a strong foundation for future groups to build upon.