TIME TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Starting out in an industry as colossal as broadcast and media is not a simple feat. Although the sector has come a long way from what it used to be, it’s by no means known for diversity. According to statistics from Data USA, 87.6% of broadcast and sound engineering technicians, radio operators and media and communication equipment workers are men. The average male salary is $57,735, while women’s pay for the same work averages
out at $43,195. With this in mind, it’s really important to recognise the clear moves being made by big players in the industry to change for the better. In FEED’ s summer 2021 issue, we got to take a deep dive and speak to the Rise 2021 cohort of mentees, through the mentoring programme. One of those was Emily Bergun, who now features in this round table! You can read the full feature by scanning the QR code below.
FEED: If you met a woman hopeful of starting a sports broadcast career, what piece of advice would you give?
EMILY BERGUN: Try to identify other women in the field who have been where you are, and don’t be afraid to ask for advice and support! I found having senior members of staff from a similar background to me very important to look up to when starting out my career. People are often incredibly generous with their time when someone with the right attitude approaches them for guidance and are happy to help. In the same way, anyone already established in the industry should reach out to new starters from minority backgrounds and check in every now and then. Especially if that starter is coming from a similar place that they themselves were once in! ANNA LOCKWOOD: Play the long game! The sports broadcast industry is a wonderful business to join at any stage of your life and career. There are so many entry points to a meaningful job, and once you are in the business, there are just
MEL McDERMOTT: Be brave and don’t ever allow yourself to feel discouraged. Working in sports, particularly operations or technology sectors, can be quite a daunting place when you see that you are a minority by being a woman. But this is an industry of change and there are endless opportunities available for you if you are willing to take a leap. SARAH ADAMS: Go to networking events and meet those in the industry. These people are fountains of knowledge and can help navigate the sector. I find people are so happy to talk about their jobs, since everyone is so passionate about what they do! Also, apply for any job that looks fun. You might not have the skills yet, but you can always learn. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. There isn’t a single person who knows everything, so you won’t be on your own in asking those questions.
WATCH THIS VIDEO WITH QR CODE
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