Women and Sports Media

Women have been able to make a way into the sports media world over the last few years. All-men sports, have always questioned if the particular sport was accepting of women commentators, anchors, and journalists. Also questioned if the female was knowledgeable in the sport.  YES there are females who have MORE sports knowledge than males.

There have been many stories of disrespect against females in this career path.  One particular case was that of ESPN’s Erin Andrews when nude pictures of her surfaced. Erin has been voted Sexiest Sportscaster and many men enjoy watching her reports. These pictures surfaced from a peephole where someone was watching Andrews. While I cannot predict what would have happened if she had not been a sports reporter, I can almost guarantee the photos would not have been of ANY real relevance.

Another big issue was with reporter Inez Sainz. While at the Jets practices, it was said the players acted like “frat boys”. Now I in NO WAY defend the Jets players for how they acted, BUT how to you expect 53 men to react to a women in tight, short clothing showing up to practice? It shows little to no respect for yourself or the sport itself.  I have to put  MAJOR responsibility on the reporter. As a woman in this field we have to be VERY mindful of what we do, what we say, how we dress and how we act.

There is no excuse for the way Sainz dresses while doing interviews and reports. If you want respect you have to demand it and in this business, show you are worthy of it.  No the players had to right to embarrass or offend her, but she did both those things on her own.

ESPN analyst Jemel Hill commented on the situation stating “... Then there's the matter of the attire she's worn on the job around professional football. A quick Google search turns up numerous images of Sainz standing on a football field in clothing that seems better suited for a nightclub.”

            You must dress for the part you want in life!! It may be old fashioned and some may even call it a double standard, but as WOMEN we have to act a certain way.  There is no reason that we need to dress provocatively or have a certain attitude to make it in this business. It makes it harder for the women that actually respect themselves and the sport to be able to get in. There are much better ways of getting the job done, simply DO YOUR JOB!! Use your brains and not your body to get what you want and need.

Sources: http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/09/13/reporter-sends-mixed-messages-about-conduct-at-jets-practice/

http://www.cleveland.com/ohio-sports-blog/index.ssf/2010/09/espn_columnist_jemele_hill_tak.html