The World Athletics Media Academy is stepping up to shake things up in sports journalism. As the next big move in its Media Development Programme, World Athletics is giving a fresh wave of journalists, photographers, and TV commentators the chance to dive into the heart of the action and bring the thrilling world of athletics to life.
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe said: “The innovative World Athletics Media Academy is a significant step forward in our commitment to fostering the next generation of the sport’s storytellers.
With the support of the International Sport Press Association (AIPS) and Sony, our broadcast and media operations teams are creating a unique platform that combines mentorship with hands-on experience at the World Athletics Championships.
It’s about developing diverse voices and equipping them with the skills to tell the story of our sport to a global audience.”
Set against the vibrant backdrop of the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, the inaugural edition will see up to 25 emerging media professionals cover one of sport’s most prestigious events.
The initiative not only continues World Athletics’ long-standing commitment to nurturing new talent but also evolves the previous Media Development Programme—once a series of three annual sessions held from Nairobi to Lima—into a more comprehensive, future-focused academy.
A close collaboration with the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) will ensure that young reporters (all under 30) receive first-hand mentorship from seasoned professionals.
Reflecting on the initiative’s heritage and its forward leap, AIPS President Gianni Merlo remarked: “I am happy to welcome the birth of the World Athletics Media Academy.
In 1995, during the World Championships in Gothenburg, I launched through the AIPS the first Sport and Culture project, dedicated to the young generations of journalists, and over the years the collaboration with World Athletics has been refined. This academy is the appropriate cultural proposal of the third millennium.”
Not stopping at print, the programme also pioneers fresh voices in TV commentary—a field where new perspectives are essential for the sport’s evolution.
James Lord, Director of Broadcasting for World Athletics, explained: “Developing new voices in athletics commentary is essential for the sport’s growth and appeal.
This programme offers aspiring commentators a rare opportunity to learn from experienced broadcasters and gain hands-on experience at a major event as well as developing the future of athletics broadcasting.”
The academy also extends its reach into the world of photography through the Photographers Workshop, in partnership with Sony. Emerging photographers will benefit from expert guidance and cutting-edge equipment at the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25.
World Athletics CEO Jon Ridgeon added: “We are delighted to have Sony as a key partner in the World Athletics Media Academy.
Their support for the Photographers Workshop ensures participants have access to the latest technology in sports photography and expert mentorship. Together, we are not only developing talent but also raising the standard of athletics photography globally.”
Masanori Kishi, Head of Lens Technology and System Business Unit at Sony Corporation, shared his enthusiasm: “We are honoured to be a part of the Photographers Workshop, collaborating with World Athletics.
Sony is working closely with photographers to deliver new and diverse imagery expressions using a variety of Sony cameras, lenses, and applications.
We are thrilled to help young, innovative photographers thrive through our technology and shaping the future of sports photography together with World Athletics.”
Registration for photographers will soon open, inviting emerging talents to submit their portfolios. A panel of esteemed photographers will then select the top 10 candidates to cover the event in Tokyo.
In addition, alongside the long-term programme in Tokyo, a shorter session tailored for French-speaking African journalists is planned for the Wanda Diamond League in Rabat, Morocco.
World Athletics is giving its classic Media Development Programme a vibrant makeover with the new World Athletics Media Academy.
This isn’t merely a nod to the sport’s proud past—it’s a call to fresh voices and bold ideas that promise to keep the dynamic story of athletics both inspiring and irresistibly engaging for fans around the world.