With the start of the 2025–26 academic year, the Center for Sports Media at Seton Hall University is making significant strides in broadening its educational reach and enhancing student opportunities. Key developments include state-of-the-art facilities, essential industry partnerships, and engaging academic programs designed to prepare students for future careers in the dynamic sports media landscape.
### New Student Spaces
One of the most exciting transformations announced is the construction of a dedicated lounge located on the third floor of Jubilee Hall. Designed to be a welcoming environment equipped with comfortable seating and large screens, this space is intended for students to socialize, study, and catch up on live sports events. The lounge represents a dedication to fostering community among students, a crucial component of a vibrant campus life. The Grand Opening is anticipated to be celebrated with a reception, further encouraging student interaction.
### Expanding Industry Partnerships
This academic year marks a pivotal moment for the Center, as it strengthens its alliances with prominent organizations in the sports media industry. The ongoing partnership with ESPN not only continues but expands with diverse opportunities for students on campus. ESPN executives are expected to visit for networking sessions, focus groups, and mentoring opportunities, enriching the student experience through real-world insights.
Additionally, NBC is stepping into the spotlight by appointing Amy Rosenfeld, a seasoned professional in Olympic sports production, as a Professional-in-Residence. This partnership signifies a crucial learning opportunity: Rosenfeld will co-teach a course on Live Sports Production, granting students exclusive insight into the mechanics of Olympic event coverage. This could potentially lead to internships during the upcoming 2026 Winter Games in Italy, providing a gateway for students to gain hands-on experience in high-stakes media environments.
The Center has plans in the pipeline to collaborate with landmark organizations such as Gotham FC, Fox Sports, CBS Sports, the U.S. Soccer Federation, SNY, and the New Jersey Soccer Federation, further broadening the professional networks and career pathways available to students.
### Covering Major Sporting Events
Notably, the Center continues its mission to provide students with firsthand experiences in sports journalism through the “Pirates in the Field” program. Students will have the chance to cover significant sporting events as credentialed media, creating thrilling opportunities for real-world reporting. The upcoming academic year will offer students the chance to attend events such as Big East Media Day, the World Series, Super Bowl LX, the NCAA Women’s Final Four, and even the 2026 FIFA World Cup. To participate, students are required to maintain a minimum GPA, submit recommendations, provide work samples, and craft an essay to justify their suitability for this experience.
### Expanding Student Voices
In addition to traditional academic pathways, the Center is committed to amplifying student voices through platforms like the “Pirates Cove” blog. Launched in the previous spring, the blog serves as a hub for student-generated content, showcasing their experiences and insights. Students like Jackie Litowinsky have shared their journeys, including her internship at ESPN, offering a glimpse into the realities of working in sports media.
This summer, the Center hosted its Sports Media & Business Academy for high school students, enabling them to create multimedia projects such as videos and podcasts. The addition of the Sports Broadcasting Camp allowed students aged 10 to 19 to engage directly with industry professionals, providing invaluable networking and learning opportunities.
### New Course in Live Sports Production
A highlight of the academic offering this fall is the introduction of a new one-credit course in Live Sports Production. Under the guidance of Center Director B.J. Schecter and Professional-in-Residence Amy Rosenfeld, students will learn about the intricacies of producing major events like the Olympics. The course combines classroom instruction with experiential learning through site visits to NBC Sports’ Stamford headquarters, enhancing students’ understanding of the industry’s demands and techniques.
### Mission and Vision
The Center for Sports Media embodies Seton Hall University’s commitment to innovation in education. Established in Fall 2021, it functions at the crossroads of sports, media, and social culture. With its roots tracing back to the visionary work of founder Bob Ley and his impactful ESPN show “Outside the Lines,” the Center continues to set a benchmark in how students are trained in media, communications, and business related to sports.
### Conclusion
As Seton Hall embarks on a promising academic year, the Center for Sports Media is at the forefront of reshaping the educational landscape for aspiring sports media professionals. By significantly enhancing student facilities, forging crucial industry partnerships, and introducing innovative academic programs, the Center exemplifies the university’s dedication to experiential learning, ethical leadership, and community engagement. As students prepare to enter the fast-evolving landscape of sports media, such opportunities not only equip them with essential skills but also position them favorably for future success in this competitive field.
To learn more about the Center and its offerings, interested individuals can explore its website for additional information.
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