Jan Monpím, estudiant de Periodisme
The journalist Andrés Corpas has come to the University of Vic – Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC) this last Wednesday 11th to give a conference to the students of the second year of the degree in Journalism, about his experience in the world of sports journalism. Copas told the students about the experience of believing in what one does and how important perseverance and constant work is in this world in which, according to him, “you never stop studying and learning”. The journalist also made a comparison between the functions of journalism then and now, and explained that the way to reach the public is to be original and natural. Explaining the same things as others in a different way helps you create a personal brand and have your own style. To be recognizable.
The importance of details
According to Corpas, every detail is significant. The journalist from Castellón is known for explaining human stories, for him even the color of the shirt one is wearing is important. He says that, over the years, some small details have allowed him to keep in touch with sportsmen, as well as to get interviews with prominent personalities “every detail is important in the future”. One of the most important things according to Corpas is to look for good stories. Having good stories to tell the public is not always easy. To do this, work and sources of information are essential.
Corpas says that empathy is a strong factor in storytelling. Journalists have to be respectful of the protagonists’ experiences, and not have ego. The journalist has a secondary role. Corpas says that “when I try walking on the shoes of another person I find good stories”.
Trying and failing
Although Andrés Corpas is aware that in life, and in journalism, the trial-and-error process is necessary and he has encouraged future journalists to always try their luck. To try to move projects forward no matter how much it costs. He has explained his experience since he was young: how he started at the village newspaper (called Quince Días) and how he came to Barcelona to work at El Mundo, after following FC Barcelona and Villareal with Marca.
Corpas has also told about one of his biggest personal projects: writing a book. Some years ago, the journalist wrote the book ‘Las Damas del Agua’ witch talks about women’s synchronized swimming, and has shown a video of the sportswoman Andrea Fuentes where she talks about the relationship between journalists and sportsmen. Fuentes says that what differentiates the best journalists is getting deeply in the person “how a friend would do it”.
The students have been able to ask the journalist questions, where they have gone deeper into topics such as the current state of sports journalism or the rise of minority sports such as women’s socce
