The job is just about what's being said all that matters is the content provided.įor some people, like my date so many years ago, hearing a woman talk sports is a reason to hit the "mute" button.Ībout a year after I joined ESPN 1000 in Chicago as the first daily female voice in more than a decade, a co-worker's relative said he fumed when I was hired. But a radio host or a play-by-play announcer is rarely, if ever, seen on camera. The stereotypical male sports viewer is OK getting postgame scores and sideline updates from a woman - he gets to admire her appearance while she provides some info he may or may not be listening to. When it comes down to it, it's about being seen and not (really) heard. But it's still a rarity to see a woman host a sports-talk radio show or do play-by-play or color commentary for a men's pro game. Sideline reporting, reading highlights at an anchor desk, co-hosting a studio show - people have come to expect and accept seeing women do these jobs. Women have been reporting on sports for decades, yet there are still too many sports fans and, even worse, decision-makers, who believe women are incapable of performing some of the industry's highest-profile jobs. While I was disappointed to see a cute, eligible guy spoiled by such antiquated views, it was more upsetting to know Doofus McGee wasn't alone in his thinking. Needless to say, there was no second date. "I mean, even if a woman does know what she's talking about when it comes to football, which is rare, I still can't stand hearing a female voice talk about it." I bit my tongue, hoping somehow he'd save himself. Less than five minutes into the date, upon hearing I was an associate producer for a national nightly highlight show, he blurted out, "You're probably going to hate me for saying this, but I can't stand hearing women talk about football." I was promised this guy would be perfect for me - an Ivy League graduate, tall, funny, ambitious and into sports. Years ago, when I was a young, single gal in Los Angeles, I was set up on a blind date.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |