Georgia Southern University is working to expand opportunities for students interested in pursuing careers in sports media and broadcasting.
The university is developing a sports media program designed to prepare students for careers in the growing industry. Film professor Dean Cummings is helping lead the effort, with the goal of expanding beyond the university’s current film concentration and eventually establishing a standalone major.
Cummings said sports broadcasting continues to grow, creating more opportunities for graduates interested in production and other media roles.
“Right now sports broadcasting is a booming industry,” Cummings said. “There is a lot of people that have graduated from this university that are doing it now in the production field. I think it’s going to keep growing.”
Georgia Southern already provides students with hands-on experience through GATA Productions, the university’s sports broadcast team. The organization allows students from across campus to gain experience in production, on-air talent and other aspects of sports media. GATA Productions now has more than 50 members.
Byron Abt, assistant athletic director of GATA Productions, is working with the university to help develop the new program. He said the initiative could attract students who are committed to sports broadcasting while improving the quality of the organization’s productions.
The impact of Georgia Southern’s sports media experience can also be seen beyond campus. The Savannah Bananas broadcast team includes current and former Georgia Southern students, with more than 60% of its staff connected to the university.
University officials hope a dedicated sports media program will build on these existing opportunities and help prepare students for careers in the industry.
Georgia Southern has officially begun its search for a sports media professor and hopes to have someone in place by fall 2027.
