‘A must see for anyone who wants to work in sports journalism’ – that was the verdict of Sports Journalism BA (Hons) student John Ejon-Ogwal, who attended D Word 5, a unique conference on diversity in sports media.

John was among 10 students from the BA and MA sports journalism courses at the University of Brighton who joined their course leaders at Stamford Bridge, home of Chelsea FC, for a day packed with invaluable panel discussions, presentations, and networking opportunities.

D Word is one of the most important events in the sector’s calendar. Organised by The Black Collective of Media in Sport (BCOMS), it brings together industry leaders, prominent journalists, academics, and speakers, to discuss and promote diversity across a range of areas, including race, gender, disability and how they intersect.

Students joined panels covering issues from ‘Women in Sport’ to ‘The Future of the Sports Media’, and took part in talks with a series of special guests including Alex Kay-Jelski, head of BBC Sport, and TV presenter Alison Bender.

The event was hosted by Channel 4 News sports correspondent Jordan Jarrett-Bryan, whom Brighton students will remember from his previous visit to Moulsecoomb to deliver a popular guest lecture last year.

The Brighton students at D Word 5 also created a portfolio of excellent content on the event. Sports journalism MA students Shreya Sanjeev and Lily Thornhill produced a special online ‘ezine’ saying: “The insights you gain are unmatched… [D Word offers] incredible advice. It was an amazing environment filled with people eager to help.”

“The conference was truly inspiring,” said L6 sports journalism and Course Rep Jordane Gregoire, who created a superb vlog on the day.

Sports journalism BA Hons Course Leader Adam Powley, said: “D Word 5 provided a fantastic opportunity for our students to meet and learn from a host of professionals. The activities align perfectly with the learning and development we provide on our courses, equipping our students with real-world experience, and enabling then to help shape and improve the future of a more a diverse sports media.”

Sports journalism MA Course Leader Owen Evans said: “This was a unique opportunity for our students to see first-hand how the industry is committed to positive change, as well as learn from fellow professionals and network with inspirational speakers. We will be back for the next D Word.”

Powley also presented his collaborative research on sports-media diversity with Dekan Apajee from the University East London.

Find out more about studying Sports Journalism at Brighton.