On February 5 marks the National Girls and Women In Sports Day (NGWSD), a special opportunity dedicated to the honor of the remarkable contributions of women in sport. To celebrate, the IATSE sports broadcast community has teamed up with our sister union, SAG-AFTRA, to pay tribute to revolutionary women who shape the landscape of sports dissemination. This coordinated social media celebration has recognized the collective achievements of women working behind the scenes and in front of the camera. NGWSD, sponsored by Women’s Sports Foundation (WSF) – founded in 1974 by the legend of tennis Billie Jean King – focused on the significant impact of women in sports and promotes gender equality in industry.
In the field of live sports broadcasting, women often constitute a minority in technical production and audiovisual roles. These professionals face unique challenges but also with exciting opportunities because they bring our favorite sporting events to screens around the world. Pushed by a passion for narration and sports, they transform obstacles into opportunities, proving that they are invaluable for industry.
Joannie McDuffuffy, an audio assistant from the 100 local section with more than 30 years of experience, remembers her youth at Central Queens YMCA, then continued her trip through the secondary and college levels at Herbert H. Lehman College. She expresses: “If the WNBA had been an option at the time, I am sure I would have been involved as a player or a broadcaster!” His experiences have strengthened his understanding of collaboration and competition, translating transparently into his work in broadcasting.
Despite navigation in a difficult landscape, these women find a deep development in their roles. Emilie Pesante, an experienced camera operator from local section 600, captures the magic of live sports, declaring: “There is nothing like the energy of a stadium. It is a feeling that unites millions in a way that only sport can, and I am proud to play my role in this connection. »»
Melanie Merritt, Director of a live sports stage for the Padres de San Diego of the local section 795, continues to thrive in the world of live and high pressure live sports. His permanent passion for sport inspires him daily: “As a dedicated fan of Boston Red Sox, sports have always been a source of joy and inspiration for me, both as a participant and spectator.”
Jeanine Thomason from the 444 local section links the points between the sports it covers and the broader activities of the broadcast: “Each program or event, we are a team working towards the singular objective of putting it into waves.”
Nevertheless, the trip to sports broadcasting is not without obstacles. Kristen Smith of the local section 317, a pioneering electric vehicle operator with over 25 years in the industry, discovered wages between her and her male colleagues and motivated himself to become a union organizer. “The union is a great equalizer,” she says.
Mentoring plays a vital role for many women in the field. Melanie Merritt attributes to mentors like Annie Heilbrunn for having empowered her voice and favored a support network. The veteran cameras operator Sharlene Mansfield of the local section 119 says that the presence of women in the sports media provides role models to young women, but also questions obsolete stereotypes. Mika Brown of the local section 317 articulates her love for narration and sports, stressing that these passions have motivated her career while teaching her precious lessons in discipline and adaptability.
From top to bottom: Sharlene Mansfield, Mika Brown and Linsey Yeager
The stories of these pioneer women recommend not only for their own rights, but for future generations. With almost 40 years of experience, Jeanine Thomason thinks that her longevity in the industry shows that women can not only compete but prosper. “I encourage young women to occupy all the positions of the industry and to teach those who are ready to learn,” she recommends. Kristen Smith shares her youngest experience in the rereading room, surrounded by skepticism of her experienced colleagues. Thanks to hard work and determination, she won their respect, aimed at paying it by supervising the others.
National Girls and Women In Sports Day serves as a reminder to reflect on inspiring travel from women in sports broadcasting. Their stories celebrate resilience, teamwork and the various passions that make them advance. By honoring individual achievements and collective progress, we remember that the love of sport transcends traditional borders, propelling ourselves towards an inspired and fair future for all.
To see our SAG-AFTRA Union sisters in sports broadcasting, click here!