Published on 15 November 2016
Aspiring female sports journalists are being offered a first-hand account of life both in front and behind the camera from the team at Sky Sports News.
From presenter Gemma Nash to those making contributions behind the scenes, including sub-editors, planners and PR executives, all are invaluable to the success of the programme and will be on the University of Sunderland’s campus next week to share their experiences and offer advice.
The event, organised by Sky Sports News, aims to encourage more women and girls to pursue a career in sports journalism, and highlight the opportunities available and what contribution they can make to sports stories.
Taking place at Sunderland’s David Puttnam Media Centre, (November 16) Sky Sports News staff will be hosting a full day of workshops focusing on presenting, digital media, newsgathering, producing and reporting, PR and interview techniques.
As well as media students from the University, the event is also being attended by 120 girls, invited from schools across the North East.
There’ll also be an exciting opportunity for them to take part in a live Q&A session with Hartlepool's Olympian boxer Savannah Marshall and North East Reporter for Sky Sports News, Keith Downey, covering Newcastle, Sunderland & Middlesbrough, will also be offering his advice to aspiring journalists.
Dr John Price, Senior Lecturer in Journalism at the University of Sunderland, said: "There is currently a shortage of young women going into careers in the sports media and studying on sports journalism courses. That's why we're delighted to work with Sky Sports News on this event to hopefully inspire and enthuse the next generation of female sports journalists."
Laurie Tucker, a Day Editor and journalism trainer at Sky Sports News, said: "As many women as men study journalism, but on sports courses men outnumber women by 10 to one. We’re looking to tackle that imbalance and show that working in sports journalism can be rewarding, varied and fun irrespective of gender. The University of Sunderland is to be applauded for this initiative."
Sky Sports contributors for the event include: Gemma Nash, Sian Parry (Senior Planner), Melissa Rudd (Sub Editor), Sophy Coombes-Roberts (Assistant PR Executive), Lawrie Anne Brown (Planner) and Laurie Tucker (Day Editor).