The Editorially Independent Voice of The University of Akron

The Buchtelite

The Editorially Independent Voice of The University of Akron

The Buchtelite

The Editorially Independent Voice of The University of Akron

The Buchtelite

Make room for women in the press box

“I remember my first time in a press box; I was excited and nervous but mostly I felt like I wanted to vomit. It was one of the best feelings I’ve had in my entire life. It’s no surprise to anyone that has met me that I love sports. It’s the kind of love that may surpass my love for journalism and chocolate.”

I remember my first time in a press box; I was excited and nervous but mostly I felt like I wanted to vomit.

It was one of the best feelings I’ve had in my entire life.

It’s no surprise to anyone that has met me that I love sports. It’s the kind of love that may surpass my love for journalism and chocolate.

Story continues below advertisement

For the past two years I have been given several chances to cover sports.

There is nothing like it.

The topic of sports is more exciting to me than anything else I have ever covered, including the presidential inauguration.

Still, there is one thing wrong with the whole situation: I am usually one of the only women there.

It’s something that I have learned to deal with, but it is something that I always notice.

Last week I covered the Cleveland Indians press tour in Akron. The only other women there were assistants to other male radio reporters, photographers and public relations women.

I know that I am not the only female sports reporter. However, coming across other women colleagues is rare.

According to the Association for Women in Sports Media, women sports editor, copy editors and page designers increased while the number of women assistant editors and reporters decreased in 2006.

This is good progress, but there are still a lot of things that need fixed.

I have been lucky to deal with coaches and players that have respected the fact that I am doing a job. However, there are still plenty of people who tear down women covering sports.

It may be OK for a 70 year-old man to call me honey or sweetheart, but not when he is working in a press box.

I have learned that dressing is an art form. You can walk into just about any press box and find a man who is in a polo and jeans. Women are not always offered the same luxury. As women, we must make sure that our shirts are not revealing or too tight and that we don’t look like we’re trying too hard.

It’s a lot for a job you love, but it’s worth it.

Of course no discussion of female sports reporters is complete without talking about Erin Andrews. She’s attractive and she just so happens to be one the most well-known female sports reporters.

Last summer, she was videotaped through the peephole of her hotel room as she changed clothing. A simple Google search of her name brings up countless articles either advertising to watch the video or read an article about it.

Cases like this could make a future female sports reporter change her mind and choose a different field.

Now I may be wrong, but I don’t believe I have heard of this happening to Joe Buck or Chris Berman.

I would be willing to bet that most people will think of Andrews video every time they see her on reporting sidelines.

Andrew’s experience does not take away from the feeling I get every time I step into a press box or find myself prepping for an interview with a Cleveland Indian.

Yes, the feeling of wanting to vomit is worth it.

Leave a Comment
Donate to The Buchtelite
$250
$500
Contributed
Our Goal

Your donation will support the student journalists of The University of Akron. Your contribution will allow us to keep printing our magazine edition, purchase equipment and cover our annual website hosting costs.

More to Discover
Donate to The Buchtelite
$250
$500
Contributed
Our Goal

Comments (0)

All comments that are well-informed, civil and relevant to the story are welcome. To leave a comment, please provide your name and email address. The Editorial Board reserves to right to remove any comment that is submitted under false pretenses or includes personal attacks, libel, hate speech, profanity, spam or inaccurate/misleading information. All comments are screened and are generally approved unless they are found to be found in violation of these standards. Readers who notice comments that appear to violate these standards are encouraged to contact the Online Editor at [email protected].
All The Buchtelite Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *