Racing Media Week

As highlighted by the Racing Post’s Lee Mottershead and Chris Cook, when starting out you have full control over what you want to create as well as how and when you can produce it. Being a little different and unique can be an asset, it could make you significantly stand out.

Easy-to-use blogging and video/audio editing software is widely accessible for free online and gives you the platform to showcase your personal passions, interests and expertise. This is an easy way of building a portfolio and, as such, something to offer as an example when applying for potential jobs or work.

Michael Andrews fantastically outlined the power of Twitter, TikTok, Instagram and Facebook as platforms for content creation and promotion. Yet the users on each and the sort of content they want to see are extremely different.

Therefore grasping a strong understanding of what works for each platform can rapidly increase your chances of growing your audience reach and working out which platform to devote the most attention to. Being adaptable makes you even more impressive.

The online world is dominated by clicks, views, likes, followers and the like so it is incredibly easy to understand your own audience and what is deemed more popular. True, it can also provide an insight into your own growing success or reputation but they should always be monitored rather than blindly followed. 

Use patterns to better judge the popularity your own content, and influence future work, but remember there are a huge variety of factors outside your control which can influence such data. Likewise, avoid getting too bogged down with performance especially if comparing with your peers. Produce what you believe is quality and it will get the attention it deserves, even if it requires some patience.

Whether it is tipping, bloodstock, racing in a certain area or indeed anything else, being able to find a niche – especially one you are passionate about – can make you dramatically stand out. In fact, the HWPA deemed it so important the Specialist Writer of the Year prize was added to our awards night roster. It can be a real asset in a competitive landscape.

Of course being too restrictive could make someone appear limited so be cautious and equally as important is being able to be adaptable. Roles within the media have dramatically changed recently. For instance, a journalist covering a raceday may now have to write, interview, create social media posts, take images/pictures and perhaps even some sort of broadcast.

Understand what you do best and what you enjoy but similarly find out what skills are desired of you and raise yourself above those expectations.

The media landscape is constantly changing and awareness to current trends makes you an exceptional commodity. True, not all changes may impact the role of the racing media but being alive to a rapidly evolving world has its advantages.

This can be applied to all roles within the media, rather than not being left behind ensure you are ahead of the pace.

Undoubtedly the cornerstone of any media role is accuracy –  and it will always be. This applies to almost every job one could have and poor accuracy such as incorrect facts, spelling, grammar or data will break down the interest of your viewer/reader. If you lose their interest it can be extremely difficult to establish it again. A number of our interviewees have highlighted this.

Many in the industry – indeed all of our guests – highlight how passionate they find working on a day-to-day basis.

Being able to report on the biggest racecourses or on world-class racehorses is an opportunity many will (quite rightfully) envy. It is an incredible role and being able to transfer your own enthusiasm and and passion onto your audience is a real skill.