Paul Newberry: AP Sports Writer

Paul Newberry, sports writer for the Associated Press, spoke to our class last Friday, September 13. Newberry provided us with helpful insight into the field, as well as entertainment from his playful sense of humor.

Newberry is a Georgia native. He majored in journalism at Georgia State University where he worked for the school’s newspaper and radio station. Before graduating, Newberry became part of the Associated Press, working as an office assistant or “copy boy.” He worked his way up in the company, serving as a temp before finally being promoted to a sports writer.

Newberry has worked for AP ever since, and has had many great opportunities consequently. He has travelled the world covering the Winter and Summer Olympics, including Michael Phelps’ big victory in Beijing. Newberry has also covered the Super Bowl, World Series, Stanley Cup Finals, Final Four, and the Daytona 500 just to name a few. He is definitely a seasoned veteran of the sports writing community.

I am very grateful for the chance to hear about all of Newberry’s experiences. He gave us honest advice about the career of a sports reporter: the good, the bad, and the ugly. His perspective has contributed greatly to my understanding of the field.