United States: Liz Habib opens up about exploitation in sports journalism
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October 25, 2021, Syracuse- In a recent interview given to a US publication, sports journalist Liz Habib opened up about the rampant exploitation in sports journalism and the undue pressure women sports journalists have to face to survive in the industry. The issues she touched upon ranged from questionable job security to the objectification of women journalists working in the field. Her interview highlighted that issues in sports journalism, especially against women journalists, are structural and deep seated. They require urgent redressal, the Coalition For Women In Journalism believes.
Speaking to The Daily Orange, Liz opened up about being the first woman sports anchor in Los Angeles during her time at KTTV. Liz recalled that she worked overtime, sacrificed personal comfort for the job and gave it her all. But this year, the network abruptly refused to renew her contract.
“The mistreatment is because people turn the other way when they see it happening. It’s not like the opportunities haven’t been there. It’s just [that] they get taken away,” said Liz.
During her time as a sports journalist, Liz recalls feeling immense pressure to work on her physical appearance while simultaneously having to prove her calibre. There were several instances when players and coaches talked down to her, disrespecting her professionalism and the kind of approach she brought to her work. She suspects it was because of her gender.
“I even hate saying it. I hate it. But maybe being a woman in sports was my obstacle,” she said. “It shouldn’t have been an obstacle. That shouldn’t have mattered. And I did the job as though it didn’t matter. But I suppose ultimately it did.”
The Coalition For Women In Journalism extends solidarity to Liz Habib. We have consistently reported on how difficult and exploitative the sports journalism field is. Women journalists have to not only navigate the unpredictable nature of the job, but also have to contend with the misogyny embedded in the news industry and the sports industry alike. The problems that Liz shed light on are indicative of larger systemic issues that are repeatedly shoved under the carpet. The sports media industry needs to reevaluate its gender and worker politics in order to become a safer place for all the members of its community.
