In Fast Five we catch up with women and non-binary people in sports media and ask them about their work, their career highlights and their advice for emerging sports media content creators.
Amanda Shalala is the Deputy Editor of ABC Sport, she oversees the 5050 Equality Project, which is dedicated to increasing the coverage of women in sport, as well as people from diverse and under-represented backgrounds. Amanda was the ABC’s broadcast reporter for the Paris 2024 Olympics, she was ABC News’ 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Lead, and she’s covered five Paralympics, the London 2012 Olympics, the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, and the 2022 Women’s Basketball World Cup, amongst many other major events. She’s passionate about elevating diverse voices in sport both on and off the field.
Have you always wanted to work in sports media?
I first dreamed of becoming a Hockeyroo or being wicketkeeper for the Australian men’s cricket team (of course not being aware of the women’s team at the time). I quickly realised my enthusiasm wasn’t matched by my talent (or lack thereof), so I decided talking about sport for a living was even better! I feel fortunate that from a young age I had a clear idea of where I wanted to go with my career and have been able to achieve so much more than I could’ve even imagined in easily the best job in the world.
What’s a favourite moment from your career so far?
Very hard to pick just one. I absolutely love working on major events, and there are a few that stand out. Covering the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Paralympics as part of the ABC’s host broadcast was incredible – it was such a privilege to be the first person athletes spoke to after their events, and to experience the magic that is the Paralympics. I was also ABC News’ Lead for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, so I co-ordinated our coverage of the event, and that was amazing to be involved with such a groundbreaking moment for women’s sport. And this year I was the ABC’s broadcast reporter for the Paris Olympics which was so much fun and energising to be in such a beautiful city, sharing the excitement from the biggest sporting event in the world.
What is your dream sports media gig?
I really love my current role, where I oversee our 50:50 Equality Project. I love dedicating my time to elevating underrepresented voices in sport and using sport as a vehicle for broader societal change.
Who are some of your favourite sports media creators?
I’ll be a bit biased and include some of my excellent ABC Sport colleagues, including Marnie Vinall, Kate O’Halloran, Liz Wright, Daniela Intili. I’m also a huge fan of Abbie from Her Way – she’s created her own media empire and I have so much respect for her passion and drive and the incredible work she’s doing to promote coverage of women’s sport. The entire Missing Perspectives team, led by Phoebe Saintilan, is also amazing, it’s been great to see their commitment to women’s sport.
What advice would you give to any women or non-binary people interested in pursuing a career in sports media?
Reach out to people who you admire/respect and get their advice. Most people are very open and willing to share their experiences and help lift others up, often the hardest part is putting yourself out there in the first place. Be versatile – the industry is ever changing, so it’s important to keep developing new skills, and be open to working in different areas. And I’m a big Ted Lasso fan, so last bit of advice is – BELIEVE. Believe in your ability, believe in your passions, and believe in your vision for your career.
Email Amanda via abcsport5050@your.abc.net.au and follow all the content the team is producing across ABC Sport