The Growth of Women in Sports Journalism from the Beginning to the Modern Era

Margaret Gross "First Female Sportscaster" gets job at New York Herald Tribune

Sep 10, 1924

Margaret Gross self described herself as the 'first female in sportscasting" when she got her job at the New York Herald Tribune in 1924. (Kaszuba, 2006)

Former "Miss America" Phyllis George joins CBS' pregame coverage of NFL Today

Aug 5, 1974

When former "Miss America" Phyllis George joined CBS' pregame coverage of NFL football, it set the standard for females and their roles in coverage of male-dominated sports such as football.

Anne Doyle fights for women's rights on the air

Mar 7, 1979

Sportscaster Anne Doyle was working for CBS Detroit when she took a controversial stance that she be allowed to join her male cc-workers in the locker rooms. She was later granted this access.
(Smothers, 2007) (PHOTO: Anndoyle94th)

Claudia Perry becomes the first black female sportscaster in Virginia

Nov 4, 1980

Claudia Perry breaks another barrier as she becomes the first african-american sportscaster in US history.
(ESPN.com)

Sportscaster Lisa Olson harrassed by naked New England Patriots while in locker room

Oct 15, 1990

Lisa Olson bio and incidentNew England sports reporter Lisa Olson is accosted by naked football players who made vulgar comments and lewd gestures in the New England Patriots locker-room. (Ricchiardi 2005) (Photo: Northern Arizona University)

Sports Illustrated's article states that fewer than 50 women are in the sports media industry

Jun 17, 1991

SI VAULT: WOMEN HAVE INVADED THE MEN's CLUB
(PHOTO: AP)