People HOwARd COSELL Howard Cosell was one of the most influential and recognisable voices in American sports journalism during the 20th century. Born in 1918 in North Carolina and raised in Brooklyn, Cosell initially trained as a lawyer before entering broadcasting in the 1950s. He gained national fame through his coverage of boxing and his close relationship with Muhammad Ali, whom he supported during controversial times, including Ali s refusal to fight in the Vietnam War. Cosell s strong and sometimes challenging way of speaking was very different from what people were used to in sports journalism at that time. He didn t hesitate to enter social or political issues, often using his platform to speak out about race, ethics, and the commercialisation of sports. He became a key figure on Monday Night Football, helping transform the NFL into a key part of prime time programming. While many loved his intelligent and passionate commentary, others found him arrogant. Regardless, Cosell helped redefine what a sports journalist could be: not just a commentator, but a critical thinker. His famous phrase I tell it like it is became a motto of his career. Cosell retired in the mid-1980s, but his influence is still strong in the way people do sports journalism today. GIANNI BRERA Gianni Brera was a legendary Italian sports journalist, known for his refined style, deep knowledge of football, and cultural insight. Born in 1919 in Pavia, Brera began his journalism career after World War II and quickly rose to prominence in Italy s major newspapers such as La Gazzetta dello Sport, Il Giorno, and La Repubblica. He is often credited with elevating football journalism to an art form. Brera had a unique writing style that mixed wit, history, and poetic language. He introduced new terms into the football vocabulary, such as libero (sweeper), and was an early advocate of catenaccio , the Italian defensive tactic. His writing was rich with metaphors and literary references, attracting not only sports fans but also intellectuals. Known for his sharp opinions, Brera often challenged coaches and players, but always with a deep respect for the game. He was also a storyteller who could turn a simple match into an epic tale. His work helped shape the Italian public s understanding of sport as a reflection of culture and identity. Brera died in 1992, but his influence lives on. He is still considered the father of modern Italian sports journalism and an inspiration to generations of writers. 216 LAw, ECONOmy, ANd FSL