It might seem logical to assume that, because I work in sports, my media consumption would be overwhelmingly sports-focused. Surprisingly, though, that’s not the case. In fact, I’d estimate that only about 15 percent of my media intake is dedicated to sports. The majority of what I consume is rooted in pop culture movies, TV shows, music, and entertainment news. I find that pop culture is so intertwined with everyday life that I naturally stay informed without much effort. I rarely feel the need to check ESPN or Fox Sports for updates; what’s trending in sports often finds its way to me through pop culture channels.

Past:

Back in 2020, my sports media diet looked very different. That year marked a pivotal time for me — I was in the middle of a career shift. I had originally majored in mass communication and broadcasting, thinking I’d end up producing or working behind the scenes in a major production company. But during that time, I discovered my passion for sports and decided to pivot my career path. That shift came with an intense period of sports media overconsumption.

I watched a lot of sports content. WWE on Peacock was a staple, along with my school’s games streaming on ESPN+. Since I had cable back then, my weekends were dominated by football — college and NFL alike — playing on the TV almost nonstop. It wasn’t just about watching games; I was immersing myself in sports storytelling, analysis, and culture, learning as much as I could while falling in love with the industry.

Present:

These days, my sports media consumption is more intentional. I’m no longer glued to a TV or subscribed to every streaming service with a sports package. Now, I rely heavily on YouTube — it’s my go-to platform for everything sports-related. I enjoy watching highlights, deep-dive documentaries on intriguing players, and even videos that break down football playbooks. That’s where I learn and stay connected to the game in a way that feels engaging and educational, not overwhelming.

I do have a few sports apps on my phone — ESPN, Fox Sports, and CBS Sports — but I’m mindful about not overchecking them. I find that I no longer need to be constantly updated; I get what I need, when I need it, without the endless scrolling or notifications.

Future:

Looking ahead five years, I imagine my sports media diet will shift even further. With social media and technology evolving so rapidly, I don’t see myself using as many sports apps or spending as much time on my phone in general. I want to create healthier boundaries with digital consumption and be more present in my real-life experiences. Ideally, I’d cut back on social media as much as possible — not because I don’t enjoy it, but because I know how easy it is to fall into the trap of constant connectivity.

I picture myself still engaged with sports media, but in a more balanced way. Maybe attending more live games, relying on a few trusted sources for updates, and spending less time scrolling and more time experiencing. That feels like the healthiest and most sustainable version of my sports media diet.