Wisconsin announces first all-female Student U run broadcast
April 22, 2022 | General News, Softball
For the first time in the history of Wisconsin’s BTN Student U program, an all-female broadcast team will produce this Saturday’s Wisconsin softball game against Nebraska.
Jeff Bell, assistant director of video services, came up with the idea soon after the announcement of our 50th Anniversary of Title IX celebration.
“We wanted to use the 50th anniversary of Title IX as an opportunity to highlight the talented group of women that contribute every day to our sports broadcasts here at Wisconsin," Bell said. "The broadcast will feature an all-female crew both as on-air talent and all of the behind-the-scenes production roles as well. The BTN Student U program allows our students to be immersed in the many facets of sports broadcasts. The diverse, hands-on training gives them the skills and experience needed to succeed as professionals in the industry.”
The efforts by these students throughout the years have not gone unnoticed by those at BTN, “The Wisconsin Student U team routinely produces excellent broadcasts for the B1G+ platform,” Alex Bertsche, Vice President of Remote Production at Big Ten Network said. “Student U is a key initiative at the network in that it not only delivers live event coverage for Big Ten fans but also provides training and hands-on experience to Big Ten students interested in a career in sports media. We are particularly excited to support, amplify and celebrate the efforts of Wisconsin’s all-female crew on Saturday.”
Women in sports media positions are steadily increasing, but to continue to grow, women need to see people like them in positions such as this.
“Ever since the athletic department began our Title IX celebrations at the beginning of the year, I had been thinking about the idea of an all-female broadcast, however, Jeff [Bell] was the first to vocalize the idea with me back at the end of February,” Kwinn Kraus, live production intern for the Wisconsin athletic department, remarked. “This is the first time, if not ever since I started working for the department, that we've had enough women on our student staff to be able to even consider it.”
“The simple answer to this question is that female representation in this industry is important because women are more likely to want to do jobs that see other women doing. When you think about women in sports broadcasting, often we picture incredible women like Pam Oliver and Erin Andrews who are side-line reporters and on-screen talent. We don't hear about the women who work behind the scenes, we don't see the female replay operators or the women who stand on the sidelines operating handheld cameras, or even the ones who go as far as directing and producing broadcasts. The best thing about our Student U program is that we encourage the students to learn every position that goes into producing a broadcast, so when we have women on our staff, it's a great opportunity for them to see that there are more options than being on-screen.”
Since running a broadcast is a behind-the-scenes job, we decided to introduce you to the crew that will be working this Saturday.
EMILY FITZSIMMONS
Major
Communication Arts - Radio, Television, and Film
Why Wisconsin?
I wanted to work with the Video Services department because this is what I want to do when I graduate. I love that I am allowed to apply what I'm learning in a hands-on environment and gain experience while I'm attending school.
Future Plans
I want to work behind a camera, whether that means I'm on a film set or at a game. So long as I am a part of a video production team, I will be happy.
DINEO LYLE
Major
Marketing and Communication Arts
Why Wisconsin?
I wanted to become more involved on campus while also pursuing my interest in the film industry through the UW Athletic Video Production Team. I like working for UW Video because it oftentimes does not feel like work. I love the fast pace and excitement of UW Athletics' shows.
Future Plans
I would like to move to LA and work in the entertainment industry as a producer or director for TV and Film.
CARA MILLER
Major
Economics with a Certificate in Data Science
Why Wisconsin?
I wanted to work for UW Athletics because I grew up with a background in photography and was drawn to the competitive aspect of sports. Athletic events are unmatched in their atmosphere and to capture that through the live production crew is a way to be a part of the event without playing on the court or field. The feeling of catching the game-winning point or showing a replay for a contested play is a rush and something that I'll never forget. Live production allows me to be a part of UW Athletics and create work that I'm proud of to show to hundreds of people, even if no one knows it's me behind the scenes.
Future Plans
My future career is in data analytics. However, I'd love to tie my experience in athletics to my love of data by potentially pursuing a career in sports analytics or sports marketing.
ELLIE SCHEIREY
Major
Economics, Chinese communication certificate, Sports communication certificate, Teaching English as a Second Language certificate
Why Wisconsin?
I wanted to work for Wisconsin Athletics because I wanted to gain valuable experience in the sports field. Wisconsin Athletics is the perfect place to learn and grow while getting to watch Wisconsin sports.
Future Plans
Teach English abroad for a few years after I graduate and then have a long-term career in sports, ideally sports broadcasting.
FAITH CAIN
Major
Bachelor's degree in Broadcast and Digital Journalism from Syracuse University
Why Wisconsin?
I was interested in calling this game because as a former student-athlete I understand the importance of Title IX. Without it, I would not be able to be out there on the field. I also love softball and being able to share the game with viewers around the country is what this sport is all about it's growing each and every day and each of these athletes is living their dreams of playing at the Division I level so being a part of that and sharing their story is why I love doing this.
Why Sports Media?
I fell in love with softball at 8 years old and when I found out I could tell other athletes' stories I fell in love. Playing a sport competitively only lasts for a short amount of time and I want to help make that experience special to the athlete and let them share their story because it only lasts so long and is their special moment.
MALLORY LOUIS
Major
Journalism (Certificates in Digital Studies and Sports Communication)
Why Wisconsin?
I have always dreamed of working in sports. I want to learn more about what goes on behind the scenes of some of my favorite events. This job has allowed me to work toward my goals and be a part of producing some amazing events for Wisconsin Athletics.
Future Plans
I hope to continue working for the Athletic Department and learn from all the incredible professionals.
KAITLYN CARDONA
Major
Communication Arts - Film, TV, and Radio
Why Wisconsin?
I wanted to start my 2021, in-person semester, by getting more camera and content experience. Being in a pandemic for most of my first years of college left me yearning to learn hands-on skills that will help me throughout my career. This job has taught me so much and has allowed me to apply the knowledge gained in courses, to real-life situations. I'm grateful to not only learn valuable skills but also connect with UW-Madison through its sports.
Future Plans
My plans for the future include becoming a part of the film industry after college. I've always had a love for films and narrative work, which led me to pursue a film degree. More specifically, I hope to become a cinematographer or film director. I'm very passionate about bringing diversity and inclusivity to every aspect of the media industry so this Title IX all-female broadcast is very exciting!
TOVAH FROCKT
Major
Political Science
Why Wisconsin?
I love working on a team that is so dedicated and dynamic. I have always been interested in the behind-the-scenes aspect of the sports industry, so exploring live production with a team I love is a great opportunity.
Future Plans
I hope to work for a few years and decide if grad school/law school is right for me in the future.
NALAH MCWHORTER
Major
Marketing
Why Wisconsin?
I love seeing all of the work that gets put in behind the scenes in comparison to just going to a game. It’s cool to just sit down at a game, but no one knows all it takes to make those games run (especially basketball and football), but I get to be a part of that, and it’s cool!
Future Plans
I graduate this semester and am currently looking for a full-time marketing role, somewhere warm!
DAPHNE DONIGAN
Major
Pre-Business/Pre-Journalism
Why Wisconsin?
I thought that working in the Wisconsin Athletic Department would be a great opportunity to gain experience with content creation.
Future Plans
Unknown at the moment, but I would like to work with the creative side of media.
JENNA STATZ
Major
Communications
Why Wisconsin?
I like working for UW athletics because I have had the opportunity to stay connected with sports and have gained knowledge about working in the sports industry.
Future Plans
I plan on attending graduate school after I finish my undergrad at UW and hope to work in the sports industry.
