Samford University’s Journalism and Mass Communication (JMC) Department and Athletics Department have agreed to a unique partnership to create a sports-media program.

The sports-media program will allow approximately 20 students per year to work in the Athletics Department in the following roles:

• Sports Journalism

• Sports Public Relations

• Sports Advertising

• Sports Broadcasting

• Sports Event Planning

As part of the collaboration, JMC and the Athletics Department will work to establish a sports-media minor within one year through the University Curriculum Committee. JMC will also offer sports broadcasting and sports photojournalism in fall 2014.

“We think this will be an important first step toward creating a sports media emphasis within the department,” said JMC chair Bernie Ankney. “Sports media will complement the department’s exceptional print journalism, broadcast journalism, public relations and advertising tracks. We want to show our support for Samford athletics and prepare our students for the rapidly expanding employment opportunities in the sports-media field. The hands-on experience students will get in the Athletics Department will be invaluable.”

The new partnership is announced as Samford JMC students and faculty complete work on the pilot episode for a reality television series that follows nine athletes from various sports as they navigate life at Samford. “The Student Athlete” is expected to be complete in May.