Writers employed by a newspaper or magazine typically work in an office. Because of the fact that writing can be done from anywhere and articles can be e-mailed in to meet deadlines, some companies allow their writers to telecommute. Freelance writers often have a home office used exclusively for their job.

Whether employed at a large corporation or writing news independently, one requirement of all writers is travel. In order to track down stories and gather accurate information, they must physically attend sporting events. Sometimes these events are held locally, but games are also held across the region or country. Writers may even travel internationally for coverage of the olympics, international football competitions and other events.

Due to the amount of travel and flexibility inherent in their jobs, almost all writers have sporadic and unreliable schedules. Games are often scheduled at night, so writers don't come to the office until the afternoon, when they typically take time to meet with publishers and editors to receive their assignments. They also spend a substantial amount of time on the phone, staying in contact with coaches, managers and athletes. Writers also work holidays and weekends, a time rife with activity in the athletic industry.

Though a writer's schedule is irregular, it is becoming increasingly more flexible through the use of current technological advancements. Writers can now email news articles instead of making a trip to the office or write while a game is still active through the use of a laptop or netbook.