A panel of Broadcasting names, Isa Guha, Jacqui Oatley, Matt Murray, Mark Cole and Barbara Slater shared their experiences on working in the TV Broadcasting industry. The panel also gave tips to aspiring Sports Journalists to break into the industry.
Oatley, who was the first female commentator on BBC Match of the Day, shared her experiences of working for free to gain experience to get into the industry. She mentioned her experiences of “sleeping on my friends’ floor” while trying to break through. The broadcaster who anchored ITV’s coverage of the Euros in 2016 also described how she had a lot of hate on twitter about commentating and working on football.
Ex Wolves Goalkeeper Matt Murray described how he broke into the industry in a different way. He worked on Wolves games while still under contract with the club in the middle of a bad injury which forced him to retire at the age of 29. Murray shared his experiences on how he would speak to players and coachers in the build up to games to get their thoughts on it. Murray also shared his views on how contacts are so crucial to help succeed in the industry.
Barbara Slater, ex British gymnast and the BBC’s first female director of sport encouraged aspiring journalists to “Don’t give up” and to keep putting yourself out there. Mark Cole also encouraged aspiring journalists to take opportunities and gain work experience wherever possible.
Former England Cricketer and now broadcaster Isa Guha anchored the discussion with the broadcasting experts.
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