Michael Wilson

About Michael Wilson

My job titles and experiences say I work as a sports journalist. Those two words encompass more than two decades of experience as a communications professional developing world-class skills far beyond writing and editing. Every day’s sports report - whether it appears on TV, on a digital platform or in print - is an exercise in project management. We have deliverables, milestones and status reports communicated broadly. And this is a uniquely “Do … there is no try” situation. A vast audience awaits and depends on our content. Regardless of any challenges, the project must be completed - and completed on time. Few things stretch resourcefulness and problem solving more than what can occur during a sports production cycle (power outages at game sites, computer failures, lengthy injury or weather delays and so on). Before joining The Athletic as a Staff Editor on a contract basis, I crafted news and statistics into an easily digestible format to run on ESPN\'s BottomLine scrolling ticker. I handled often complex, often sensitive news items and presented ESPN’s global audience with the news, stats and information they crave. I also researched, wrote and edited compelling content for us on all of ESPN\'s platforms.Working at ESPN also allowed me to demonstrate my rare blend of technical acumen and communication skills. I led end-user acceptance testing for an interface that revolutionized how BottomLine content was published to air. As part of a multiyear, multimillion-dollar database redesign, I ensured business-process analysts understood the business requirements involved in serving sports fans around the world with the fastest and most accurate data in the world. Comfortable with words, numbers and technical matters, I’ve been called a real-life unicorn.Yes, writing and editing might be the “headline” words of my professional experience. They don’t come close to indicating what I’ve done and, more important, what I’m capable of.

Experience

1. Staff Editor

   The Athletic

   Oct 2025 — Present · Bellingham, WA, US

   Collaborate with vertical editors and beat writers to elevate content published for a global sports audience- Meticulously edit content for accuracy, style, fairness and explain the edits to vertical editors and writers- Write engaging, SEO-friendly headlines- Execute full builds of digital packages: write display copy, line edit and copyedit content, add visual assets- React to breaking news to best suit the Daily Desk news team, whether by editing, writing or reporting

Education

• University of Oregon

  Bachelor of arts

Skills

• Xml
• Strategic Planning
• New Hire Training
• Ftp
• Online Journalism
• Report Writing
• Ap Style
• Sports
• Budget Monitoring
• System Monitoring
• Interviewing
• Social Media
• Social Media Marketing
• News Writing
• Strategic Communications
• Social Media Strategist
• Mobile Technology
• Statistical Data Analysis
• Public Speaking
• Technical Writing
• Html
• Hiring Personnel
• Data Warehousing
• Storytelling
• IT Service Management
• Systems Management
• Marketing Communications
• Copy Editing
• Marketing
• Feature Articles
• Programming
• Technical Editing
• Headline Writing
• Budget Setting
• Interviews
• Journalism
• Blogging
• Personnel Management
• Editing