By Wendell Epps

Sports are a prominent facet in the everyday lives of millions and millions of people from all over the world.

The roar of the crowd when a buzzer beater is made and the massive hype squads being seen at university sporting events makes sports a great escape from the real world.

All of these special moments are able to be shown, discussed and appreciated on an everyday basis by a special group of individuals: employees in the sports media industry.

Today, broadcasters, reporters and others are not just working in the Sports Media industry, they are serving as powerful storytellers and inspirations to the greater society.

While these jobs consist of grueling days and long hours, it is all worthwhile because of the thrill and excitement that the sports media industry brings on a daily basis.

It’s A Digital World

The world of social media may have its fair share of pros and cons in general, but in the sports media industry, it is a beneficial tool that helps sports media personalities connect with their audiences and express their voices online.

“I think the most important and coolest thing about social media is the ability to 1) reach further in the market you’re in and 2) build a brand,” said Cassie Carlson, a Sports Anchor for Action News 5 in Memphis, Tennessee.

Twitter often gets thought of as one of, if not the premier social media platform, for sports media professionals because of its ability to quickly share thoughts and content as well as to get updates on the latest news happening in the world of sports.

However, Instagram is also widely considered as one of the more prominent social media platforms used by sports media professionals.

“I’ve always loved the visual element of storytelling on Instagram,” said Lauren Walsh, Sports Director for WXII News in Winston-Salem. “Its entire format is pictures and videos. I love seeing what other people are doing and posting a photo or video of my own to share with people.”

Additionally, social media platforms allow for sports media personalities to become more widely recognized by the general public.

Hannah Williford, a digital host at Ohio State University, previously served as an on-court host at Ohio State basketball games. The power of social media allowed her to get her name and face recognized faster than many others in the sports media industry because of one special moment.

During her first game as an on-court host, Williford was hosting a half court shot competition and asked one of the contestants wearing a Hot Dog costume what his name was. The guy proceeded to say “Most people call me Robbie, but you can call me anytime.” He then ran out onto the floor and made the half court shot, which made the crowd at the Ohio State game go wild.

Shortly after, the video of the interaction between Williford and the fan was uploaded on YouTube, another popular social media platform, and went viral. It now has more than 1.9 million views as of December 2021 and Williford is extremely grateful to be able to say that was her first moment of live event hosting.

You can hear Hannah talk about the experience below.

Wonder Women

One of the biggest issues for the longest time in the sports media industry has been the gender inequality between men and women employees. It is no secret that women have continuously been in a tough position over the years where they need to work twice as harder in what is still a male-dominated field

“I do think for women, there is a much smaller rope that you’re given,” said Walsh. “If a male sportscaster makes a mistake, it’s just chopped up as a mistake. However, I do think any mistake gets held against women sportscasters. Because then it is perceived with women, whether consciously or subconsciously, that they don’t know what they’re doing.”

The good news for women in sports media is that their overall respect level in the field is gradually heading in the right direction.

Carlson said, “You’re seeing a lot more women get into play-by-play. I think if you were to talk to a lot of people now, they’re more pushed to do play-by-play than sideline reporting.”

More historic moments of female sports media personalities are occurring on a consistent basis. For example, the NBA just recently made history by bringing in two female broadcasters to be the regional play-by-play voices for two NBA teams.

Kate Scott is now the play-by-play announcer for the Philadelphia 76ers on NBC Sports Philadelphia and Lisa Byington is the voice for the Milwaukee Bucks on Bally Sports Wisconsin.

Statistics today prove that more women are having an increase in active job positions in the sports media realm as shown below.

“I think women are really well represented in the industry nowadays,” said Williford. “There are a lot of different things we can do now rather than just always being seen as the sideline reporter.”

The Long Game

The sports media industry is presented as one of the most thrilling and enjoyable industries to work in professionally. With that being said, the job itself is a grind and requires persistence, dedication and sacrifice in order to progress in the workforce.

“My professors in college were very upfront about the reality of the sports media industry,” said Walsh. “They were like if you want to have weekends off, don’t do this. If you want to have a social life and do everything your friends do, this isn’t the job for you. If you want to make a lot of money quickly, then this is also not the job for you. I learned very early on in my career that all of that was true.”

An early start and being motivated at a young age to put the work in when it comes to gaining experience in the sports media industry can pay huge dividends down the line.

Moving up the ranks in the industry means more flexibility, more attention and more money. That is why so many professionals in the industry heavily stress the importance of networking. You never know where networking and developing long-lasting connections could lead you.

Aby Goodman, a current senior at Arizona State University majoring in Mass Communication, started her sports media career at the age of 16 as an intern at D1 Highlights in Nashville, Tennessee. It was here where she worked as a reporter covering high school football games all across the state. She landed this great opportunity because of a certain connection she had from doing a certain and unexpected activity.

Here more about it below.

“As young journalists, we’re able to use our cell phone, go on Twitter and build a platform,” Goodman said. “You see a lot more people nowadays with voices and platforms that are extremely impactful where 5-10 years ago, they didn’t have that luxury.”

People in the sports media industry like Carlson, Goodman, Walsh and Williford all have one thing in common: They started getting reps early. It has paid off immensely for them and none of them are even 30 years old yet.

“Working in the sports media industry comes with a lot of sacrifice,” Williford said. “Sports happen a lot on the weekends, so you might have to sacrifice a night out with your friends to cover a game, but if you’re really passionate about it, you’re more than happy to do it.”

The resources to gain early experience and succeed in the sports media industry are there, it’s just up to the person to take advantage of them.

---

Related Stories

Beth Mowins to Become the First Woman to Call an NBA Regular-Season Game on ESPN

Blue Wahoos baseball: Wahoos broadcaster to live a dream in joining hometown Diamondbacks

Wendell Epps is a junior at High Point University majoring in Sports Media. For contact inquiries, please email wepps@highpoint.edu.