Seton Hall University’s Center for Sports Media is officially setting the pace for the next generation of professionals. Following a 2025-26 academic year marked by high-profile partnerships and major event coverage, the program has cemented its reputation as a launchpad for careers in the sports media landscape.
Under the leadership of Executive Director B.J. Schecter, a sports media veteran with over 30 years of experience, the Center has leaned heavily into “experiential learning”—a strategy that places students directly into the action long before they earn their degrees.
The hallmark of the past year was the “Pirates in the Field” program, which saw students deployed as credentialed media professionals at some of the world’s most significant sporting events. Throughout the year, Seton Hall students worked behind the scenes and on the front lines of:
- The Super Bowl
- The NCAA Men’s and Women’s Final Fours
- The NFL and NBA Drafts
- The 2026 FIFA World Cup
“We’re creating opportunities for students to get into the field and start building their portfolios from the moment they arrive on campus,” Schecter said. “This experiential learning is crucial… and is what will set them apart from thousands of other students across the country.”
The Center’s growth is built upon a foundation laid by founder and distinguished alumnus Bob Ley ’76. This year, that foundation expanded through deepened relationships with heavy hitters like ESPN, NBC Sports, and Fox Sports.
Notable highlights from the year included:
- National Spotlight: Stephen A. Smith broadcasted First Take and his SiriusXM show live from the Seton Hall campus, providing students with an exclusive Q&A session.
- Direct Pipeline: Three students contributed to NBC Sports’ production of the 2026 Winter Olympic Games, while students Niamh Campbell and Manny Pereira secured roles with Fox Sports for the ongoing World Cup.
- Collaborative Innovation: The university piloted an ESPN focus group project, allowing students to engage directly with industry leaders on content strategy and audience research.
The Center’s commitment to development extends beyond traditional reporting. Students like Niamh Campbell and rising sophomore Manny Pereira are currently hosting the Pirates in the Field podcast, a production that allows students to reflect on their professional experiences while building their portfolios.
Looking toward the fall, the program is launching a new partnership with DeSales Media to mentor high school correspondents in Brooklyn and Queens. The project will see Seton Hall students serve as editors and producers for a new magazine-style sports program, further diversifying the skills they bring to the workforce.
The Center’s track record is already paying dividends for alumni, who have recently landed positions with the BIG EAST Conference, MLB Network, Gotham FC, and CNBC.
“Our students are on the ground floor of a media industry transformation,” Schecter said. “They are driving the conversation, innovating and getting opportunities you can’t find anywhere else.”
