From Pitch to Production: Championing Black Talent in Sports Broadcasting

Growing up in the North, sports wasn't just a pastime—it was a way of life. From freezing Saturday mornings on muddy pitches to huddling around the telly for Match of the Day, sports has always been my passion. But as I progressed in my career, I couldn't help but notice the stark contrast between the diversity on the field and the lack of it behind the cameras and microphones.

As a Black woman and co-founder of Black People in Sports Broadcasting - join our group https://www.dhirubhai.net/groups/12888707/, I've made it my mission to change this narrative. Today, I want to discuss career pivots, the exciting tech roles shaping our industry, and how we're pushing for better representation. So, grab a brew, and let's dive in!

Changing Lanes: The Power of the Pivot

Let's be real—the days of having one job for life are long gone, especially in creative industries. Career pivoting isn't just trendy; it's essential. In my journey from a sports-mad kid to a talent development lead, I've seen firsthand how valuable our diverse experiences can be.

Think about it. The skills that make you a brilliant football coach—reading the game, motivating a team, thinking on your feet—could make you an ace producer or director. Or maybe your knack for stats could take you from fantasy league champion to the next data analyst at Sky Sports.

Change is a good thing for the industry in my opinion. It's not just good for us; it's breathing new life into the whole industry.

Tech Roles: The New Players in Town

Now, let's talk about where the action is. The sports broadcasting world is changing faster than a counterattack, and it's tech that's driving the play. Here are some roles that are proper hot right now:

1. Sports Data Analysts: If you can crunch numbers and tell a story, you're golden. Clubs, broadcasters, and fans are all hungry for insights.

2. Virtual Reality Specialists: Imagine bringing the matchday experience to someone's living room. That's what VR can do, and we need people who can make it happen.

3. Social Media Content Producers: Got a talent for making short, snappy content that gets people talking? This could be your calling.

4. Broadcast IT Specialists: As everything goes digital, we need folks who speak both 'broadcast' and 'tech'.

The best part? Many of us already have skills that can transfer to these roles. That knack for storytelling that made you the go-to match reporter? It could make you a brilliant VR producer, bringing fans right into the heart of the action.

Representing on and off the Pitch

Now, here's where it gets personal. The beautiful game is diverse, our communities are diverse, but turn on the telly or radio, and you'd hardly know it. The stats are properly grim—only 12% of sports journalists in the UK are from minority ethnic backgrounds, and Black women? We're less than 2% of that group.

At Black People in Sports Broadcasting, we're not just talking about change; we're making it happen. Here's how:

1. Mentorship Programmes: Connecting young talent with industry veterans who look like them and understand their journey.

2. Skills Workshops: Providing hands-on training in those high-tech roles we talked about earlier.

3. Industry Partnerships: Working with broadcasters to make sure their hiring practices are fair and inclusive.

4. Data Tracking: Keeping tabs on the numbers, because what gets measured gets managed.

We're not just about increasing numbers; we're about creating pathways for Black talent to thrive in the jobs of the future.

The Road Ahead

Listen, I know the journey isn't easy. As a Black woman from the North, I've faced my share of closed doors and raised eyebrows. But I've also seen the tide starting to turn, and I'm excited about what's to come.

Whether you're a seasoned pro looking for a new challenge or a young person dreaming of a career in sports media, know this: your voice, your perspective, your talent is needed. The future of sports broadcasting should be as diverse and dynamic as a Saturday afternoon at any ground across the country.

So, what do you say? Are you ready to join us in changing the game? Because at Black People in Sports Broadcasting, we're not just watching history—we're making it.

For a session on Career pivots check out Tracy Forsyth, PCC CPCC Linkedin Live on the 3Ps of Pivoting Careers https://www.dhirubhai.net/events/7210684630394388480/about/