Linda Cohn, the future “SportsCenter” legend, made a bold move in the late 1980s to advance her career from Long Island cable news to her dream job as a sports anchor. She baked a batch of chocolate chip cookies as a bribe for her camera operator to help her film a spec sports report. This move paid off when KIRO-TV in Seattle gave her a chance to cover sports in the Pacific Northwest, leading her to ESPN in 1992.
Cohn reflects on the challenges faced by women in sports media before ESPN, where excuses were made about their ability to handle pressure or technical issues. However, with the support of ESPN executives John Walsh and Steve Anderson, Cohn found her place and was able to thrive in the industry.
As ESPN celebrates its 45th anniversary, anchors like Hannah Storm, who joined in 2008, acknowledge the network’s role in promoting women’s sports. ESPN’s continuous coverage of women’s basketball, along with top broadcasters, has provided a platform for women’s collegiate and professional leagues to thrive.
Rhonda Glenn, ESPN’s first female anchor in 1981, was a prominent golfer and sports analyst who paved the way for women in sports media. She never saw herself as a barrier-breaker but simply wanted to do the job she loved. Similarly, Cohn found her footing at ESPN after receiving feedback to be more natural and engaging on air.
Cohn’s longevity at ESPN, with a record 5,000 episodes of “SportsCenter,” has inspired many aspiring broadcasters and reporters. She has become a symbol of perseverance and success for women in sports media, showing that dedication and passion can lead to a successful career in a male-dominated industry. Growing up playing ice hockey with boys on Long Island, Hannah Storm always had a passion for sports. Her late father, Mike Storen, was deeply involved in the business of sports, being a team owner, general manager, and commissioner of the American Basketball Association. It was through her father’s connections, particularly with former NBA commissioner David Stern, that Storm saw the seeds being planted for the expansion of women’s professional basketball over 25 years ago.
David Stern, during his tenure as NBA commissioner from 1984 to 2014, recognized the potential in women’s basketball. He used the success of the U.S. women’s basketball team at the 1996 Summer Olympics to persuade NBA team owners to invest in a new league. This led to the creation of the Women’s National Basketball Association in 1997, providing a platform for top female college stars to transition to a professional league.
The impact of the WNBA has been significant in promoting women’s sports. College basketball stars like Caitlin Clark, Kamilla Cardoso, and Angel Reese have grown up in a world where the WNBA is a prominent fixture. The recent NCAA women’s championship game saw record-breaking ratings, indicating a growing interest in women’s basketball.
Storm acknowledges the shift in mindset towards women in sports, whether it be covering games, coaching teams, or working in front offices. She recalls facing challenges as a female sports reporter early in her career, but now ESPN boasts seven female anchors on various “SportsCenter” telecasts.
The increased visibility of women in sports media has been instrumental in changing perceptions and creating more opportunities. ESPN’s in-depth coverage and analysis of sports events have brought new voices to the table, including those that were previously unheard.
The evolution of sports media into a multi-platform eco-system has further opened doors for women in the industry. Storm and others now host fan-focused podcasts, expanding their reach and impact.
Overall, the progress made in the representation of women in sports media is a testament to the changing landscape of the industry. With more female broadcasters getting opportunities and the continued growth of women’s sports, the future looks bright for women who love sports.
(Photo caption: Hannah Storm and National Women’s Soccer League Commissioner Jessica Berman on ‘SportsCenter’ in April)
