A young sports broadcast journalist who has less than three years of professional experience will receive $2,500 to support their career pursuits in honor of Michael Kim, the godfather of AAJA’s Sports Task Force and a pioneer for Asian Americans in sports broadcast journalism. The scholarship is made possible thanks to the Sports Task Force.

Applicants will be selected on the basis of demonstrated journalistic ability, financial need, a strong commitment to the pursuit of a sports journalism career and dedication to AAJA’s mission of advancing Asian Americans and other underrepresented communities in media. 

  • Applicants must be an active AAJA member
  • Applicants must work in the broadcast sports industry in some form, either as on-camera talent or behind-the-scenes producer
  • Applicants must be within three years of college graduation and/or in their first television market
  • Applicants must demonstrate financial need
  • The selected scholarship recipient must commit to a minimum of five hours of volunteer work for the AAJA Sports Task Force, preferably before and at the next annual AAJA Convention
  • Resume
  • Journalistic work samples
  • Contact information for two references
  • Essay (Up to 800 words)
    Explain how the financial support of this fellowship would help your short- and long-term career goals, and why you want to continue your sports journalism/media career. The essay should also answer all of the following questions:
    1. What unexpected challenges have you faced as an early career sports journalist?
    2. What role or responsibility do journalists of color have in a modern press box? What importance does your ethnic or racial identity serve in the way you cover sports as a professional journalist?

Questions? Email support@aaja.org

Deadline to Apply: March 10, 2025
"Watching Michael Kim talk sports on TV — particularly as an Asian American — inspired me to pursue sports media in the first place. I am humbled that AAJA believes in me and my work as I continue to navigate the broadcast sports industry!"
Ryan Chien
Ryan Chien2025 Michael Kim Journalism Fellowship Recipient
Meet the 2025 Michael Kim Journalism Fellowship Recipient

Ryan Chien
UC Berkeley Class of 2023
Social Media Coordinator, CBS Sports | Play-by-play Broadcaster, ACC Network

The struggles of the young college graduate trying to make it in the professional world sometimes don’t get acknowledged enough.

It is something Michael Kim, known affectionately by many as “The Godfather” for his trailblazing work for AAPI sports broadcasters, has been eager to change.

And this year, the Asian American Journalists Association’s Sports Task Force is proud to announce Ryan Chien as the 2025 recipient of the Michael Kim Journalism Fellowship valued at $2,500.

“I am super thankful for this fellowship by AAJA!” an excited Chien said. “As someone who is still early on in their profession, I really appreciate opportunities like this.”

Chien, a 2023 graduate from Berkeley, currently does play-by-play on the ACC Network’s live streams of various Cal sports, including volleyball, water polo, and rugby. Not only that, he also serves as CBS Sports’ Social Media Coordinator, helping to manage content across all of CBS Sports’ social media brands. Chien was selected by a 5-person judging panel who had glowing things to say about him.

“Seems like he’s cut from the right stuff,” one of the judges said. “Obviously a wonderful student. I appreciate his willingness to work all different angles and jobs in the business. Impressive versatility and work ethic.”

“It’s no surprise Ryan is the recipient of the Michael Kim scholarship,” said Michele Steele, President of AAJA’s Sports Task Force. “He’s a bright young journalist who already has a ton of experience and is also a really hard worker. I’m excited to see how Ryan continues to move up in his career.”

Currently based in Santa Monica, Chien has earned different AAJA accolades in the past, including being selected by Bleacher Report as one of their 2023 interns. It’s a trend he is continuing as he continues to evolve in his career.

“Watching Michael Kim talk sports on TV — particularly as an Asian American — inspired me to pursue sports media in the first place,” Chien said. “I am humbled that AAJA believes in me and my work as I continue to navigate the broadcast sports industry!”

Kim is a groundbreaking anchor who opened doors for the Asian community at ESPN. He was an anchor at SportsCenter for 17 years and was one of the original anchors who launched ESPNews.

“Congratulations to Ryan for the launch of what promises to be a successful career in sports media,” Kim said. “I am hopeful that this fellowship will help Ryan take the next step in achieving his goals. I look forward to hearing his name and his voice for many years to come!”

About Michael Kim

Michael Kim is a groundbreaking anchor who opened doors for the Asian community at the Worldwide Leader in Sports. Kim was an anchor at SportsCenter for 17 years and was one of the original anchors who launched the innovate ESPNNews.

Kim now works as the anchor of The Stadium on Marquee Sports Network. Prior to ESPN, Kim won a Sports Emmy Award for Outstanding Show – Daily. Kim is a graduate of the University of Missouri.

Kim has been a proud member of AAJA for years and is a Sports Task Force legend who has supported the group from its inception.

About The AAJA Sports Task Force

The Asian American Journalists Association’s Sports Task Force is pleased to offer several scholarship and fellowship opportunities for enrolled college students and young professionals to support their pursuit of careers in sports journalism and media. The selected fellowship winners must commit to a minimum of five hours of volunteer work for the AAJA Sports Task Force.

The AAJA Sports Task Force elevates the voices of Asian Americans in sports and encourages future Asian American sports journalists through mentorship and scholarship opportunities. 

To join AAJA’s Sports Task Force or to find out more about the group, please check the “Sports Task Force” box when becoming an AAJA member at aaja.org/join.

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