Social media has transformed many aspects of society, including journalism. It’s also changed the sports betting industry.
Now, a new education program combines the two at one of the top journalism schools in the US.
The Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University is one of the nation’s top journalism programs. This summer, it will offer professional education programs based in Los Angeles that will teach how to cultivate personal social media brands, including those related to sports betting.
Instruction to focus where social media journalism meets content creation
Arizona legalized sports betting in April 2021. A few months later in September, the first mobile sportsbooks apps were available. Now, more than two years later, Arizona sports betting boasts 17 licensed online sportsbooks. In 2022, Arizona reported a total handle from sports betting of a little more than $6 billion. That figure represents the total amount accepted in wagers. For 2022, Arizona ranked sixth in the US by total handle.
Student Anthony Ravasio recently told PlayAZ.com the program anticipates a need that will only grow.
“This is an exciting program that keeps ASU and students like me at the forefront of new industries in our nation.”
The program will concentrate on the points where social media journalism and content creation intersect with the burgeoning sports betting market.
Social media, especially Twitter, Facebook, and TikTok, have become staples for most sports betting media influencers. These content creators share their picks, write sports articles for traditional and new media websites and work to establish themselves as “insiders” in the competitive sports betting industry.
Walter Cronkite School places emphasis on digital media
The ASU School of Journalism, located in Tempe, is known for its innovative approach to journalism education, as evidenced by the social media/sports betting influencer program.
One of the hallmarks of the ASU Walter Cronkite School of Journalism is its focus on digital media and innovation. Recognizing the evolving landscape of journalism, the school places a strong emphasis on teaching students the skills necessary to excel in the digital age. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including multimedia labs, broadcast studios, and digital production suites, where they can gain practical experience in various forms of journalism, from print and broadcast to online and multimedia storytelling.
ASU hosts the Cronkite School in downtown Phoenix. It also has a satellite campus in Los Angeles, where Ravasio and others will be the first to enjoy a curriculum with a sports betting subject matter.
“It makes you proud to be part of such a great school. It’s something Arizona should be proud of too.”
