Kristy Flannery answers your questions in The Hockey News' latest mailbag.

While the New Jersey Devils are off enjoying a little fun in the sun, I asked my followers on social media to send questions in for a little career-inspired mailbag.

Over the past three seasons, I have participated in career days and spoken to numerous college students looking to have a career in sports media. My DMs continue to be open to those who have questions.

That being said, let's get to it. 

Q: We Used to Say That Sports Writers Should Be Independent and Not Have Any Preference or Favoritism Toward the Teams They Cover. Do You Think This Still Holds True Today or Is Fandom and Camaraderie With Readers More Beneficial?

- Scott 

I think it is incredibly important for readers to have access to stories written by an unbiased and objective third party reporter. 

What I have learned over the past three seasons is that perspective is everything. How one sees the game from a fan perspective is different than how I view it from a media perspective, which is obviously vastly different from that of a player or coach.

There are thousands of online blogs that provide sports fans a platform to write about their favorite teams from the perspective of a spectator, and if that is the story the reader wants, and can relate to, it is available to consume.

I think for some, obvious favoritism in content can lead to a lack of credibility and in the sports media world credibility is everything. One could say I am old school in still believing that  sports writers should present themselves without having favoritism towards the team they cover. 

Q: What Was Your College Major?

-Brittany 

I was a journalism major and have an associate degree. I paid my own college tuition, and it never made sense to go into hundreds of thousands of dollars of debt.

Q: Why Did You Want to Work in the Sports Industry?

- Ava

The funny thing is that if you asked 18-year-old Kristy where she wanted her writing career to go, she would have said fashion or entertainment.

I was not, and still am not, a sports girl. 

I thought I understood football until I watched a Super Bowl and realized I knew absolutely nothing about football and never had an interest in soccer, basketball, or baseball.

I became instantly hooked when I attended my first hockey game around 19. I did not know any of the players or how the game was played, but it was love at first sight. As I taught myself the game, I thought combining my passion for writing and hockey would be fun. So I did.

Q: Do You Want to Eventually End Up in a TV/Radio Role in Media, or Do You Prefer Print?

- Tristan 

Print and broadcast media overlap so much, especially with the popularity of social media and digital shows. To be successful, you need to know how to do it all. That said, I would branch out to a role in TV or radio if the right opportunity presented itself.

I think I will always be a writer first, but also understand you do not grow if you stay inside your comfort zone. I have no idea where this journey will lead me, but I'm excited to find out.

Q: Biggest Piece of Advice You Can Give Someone Who Wants to Work in Media?

- Mike 

Your biggest competition is always yourself. Focus on being better than you were yesterday, and the rest will fall into place. 

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