Analysis

Through my studies of women in the sports world, various viewpoints come into play when attempting to decode the position they hold in this male dominated realm. These viewpoints range from the women within the occupation to men who are observing what they report, such as the comments found on YouTube videos of Hannah Storm. Although it is very difficult to understand a situation that one has never been exposed to, I believe I can gather an overarching interpretation based on the artifacts I have observed through this research. Overall, I believe that women in the sports world are, in spite of their recent advancements, largely discriminated against in the sports media world.

Why do I believe this? Well, through the articles I have read, from Marj Snyder's article from the Washington Post, TV's Female Sports Journalists are stuck on the Sidelines, to the survey conducted with women in sports media by Marie Hardin, I have found that it is not only from within the industry that women can be observed as being discriminated against. It is plainly evident, according to Snyder, that women are only going to be on the sideline, and not receive room for advancement within the sports media world, which was cited as on the top reasons women left sports media jobs in the survey conducted by Marie Hardin. Additionally, Hannah Storm recalled her struggle to obtain a job in the industry, despite having a unique connection as a result of her father's large role in the sports media world. Apparently, it's not what you know OR who you know, but what your sex is, because sports media directors were not ready to hire a woman to report sports to a largely male audience.

Hannah Storm's take on her job in the sports media world was much different than the results obtained through Hardin's survey with other women in the industry. For example, Hannah stated in her interview with Diversity Inc, that getting the job was the hardest part, but now that she was in the industry, she was well respected and has, in fact, reached the top of the sports journalism ladder as she is a woman analyst among a plethora of men. And, not only is she at the top, but she is well respected there by the men that she works with, as evident in the suspension reaped by Tony Kornheiser, the well known and well respected host of Pardon the Interruption on ESPN, for making disrespectful comments about Hannah's wardrobe on his radio show in February of this year. Other women in the industry, however, reported differently about their job experience. For example, 53% of women in the Hardin survey reported that they either "disagreed" or "strongly disagreed" with the statement "I have never felt sexual discrimination in my current workplace."¹ Unfortunately, the survey did not contain any explanations of such accusations, so it all must be speculated upon. However, many of the news that comes from the locker rooms of professional sports teams and within the sports world in general, signify that women in this arena are not viewed as equal. For example, Favre's sex scandal with ESPN reporter Jenn Sterger, has caused such an uproar within the sports world and the aspect of sexism surrounding it. This is largely due to the respect Favre had earned throughout his career and ultimately, the complete shock that came with such conduct by an athlete that most would have thought to be the last to do such a thing. Also, the Joe Namath incident with Suzy Kolber in which he made a drunken pass at her on the sidelines of a Jets game by saying 'I want to kiss you.' ² These comments and actions subject women to being viewed as objects to be relished, not professionals, which is exactly what they wish to avoid.

How is it, that within the same survey, 75% of women believe that 'Opportunities for women in sports media careers are better than ever' but also 85% of the same group of women believe that "Sexual discrimination is a problem for women in sports media'? Does this indicate that the field will always be saturated with sexual discrimination? Is it just the nature of the beast? If this is so, and the knowledge is largely available, then the women that choose these professions as their career choice, should be applauded for their audacity and perseverance. In the progressive world that we now live in, it is rare that women are discriminated against, so for a woman to opt for such a challenge based on her love of sports or media, I believe much respect should be generated within the industry. However, in order for these women to mirror the efforts of their male counterparts, in terms of hours dedicated to work, they must understand and accept that priorities may have to be rearranged. For example, women most often left their jobs in sports media as a result of the hours required by their employer. However, men in the same profession are requested the same amount of time, and submit to it. There are never going to be advancement opportunities given to someone who works at a lesser caliber than another, so it is imperative for women in the industry to understand the implications of such a job and accept that the hours and tasks will be strenuous.

In conclusion, through my research, I believe that it is rather evident that the sports world is a male dominated one, largely a result of the extensive history of sports as such. However, I do not feel that women do not, and will not, have a place in sports media now or in the future. It is in the hands of every sports media employee to determine their place in the industry, women included. For women to feel equal in such an arena, they must work for their respect, which means dedication to their work and a genuine understanding of the content. All of which is in reach. All of which can aid in women redefining the arena of sports media.

 

 

¹Hardin, Strength in Numbers, pg 6
²Joe Namath, YouTube.