EMILY HERBERT
“Opportunities might not always come easy, and sometimes people won’t see your potential straight away - but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t keep pushing.”
Meet Emily Herbert, a football commentator working across BBC Radio 5 Live, Sky Sports, and TNT Sports. She is involved in football at all levels and also carries out interviews.
“My journey into sport started at my local radio station when I was playing rugby at the time. They needed a female voice on sport and thought I’d be a good fit, so I gave it a go.”
“I hadn’t grown up following football, but being around it through radio completely pulled me in. That’s where my love for the game started and eventually led me into football commentary and broadcasting.”
EMILY HIGHLIGHTS THE IMPORTANCE OF ALLIES
“A huge influence on my journey has been my boss at BBC Radio Leicester, Adam Whitty. He believed in me from the start and took the time to train me up from the bottom, which meant a lot.
Having someone who genuinely backed me and gave me chances helped me find confidence in what I was doing. I wouldn’t be where I am without that early support.
With my own journey, I want to show that there isn’t one set path into football broadcasting.”
SOME PIVOTAL SPORTING MOMENTS
“The Lionesses winning Euro 2022 was a huge moment for me. It felt like a real shift in how women’s football was seen and valued, both within the sport and culturally. Seeing that success bring so many people into the game was incredibly powerful. It reinforced why telling football stories, especially in the women’s game, really matters.
Another important moment in women’s sport was Keely Hodgkinson winning the 800m and then being crowned BBC Sports Personality. It really showed the power of positive media coverage. It wasn’t just about her achievement on the track - it highlighted her story, her dedication, and brought her into the national conversation. That kind of coverage inspires young athletes and gives women’s sport the recognition it deserves.
It proves that when media shines a proper spotlight on female athletes, it can have a real cultural impact.”
HOW CAN WE CHANGE THE WAY MEDIA COVERS WOMEN’S SPORTS?
“I feel female athletes are still often treated as a second thought in sports media and not always taken as seriously as they should be. Coverage has improved a lot and female athleres are represented a lot better than they used to be, however, there is more that can be done.
On a slow news day, there’s really no excuse not to see more women’s sport on the main coverage, like Sky Sports News. I’d also like to see easier access to results and bigger, more prominent pages on websites. The sport deserves the same visibility and attention as men’s football, and the audience is definitely there for it.”
EMILY’S JOURNEY IN SPORT
“I hope with my journey it encourages more girls to see themselves in these roles and feel confident putting themselves forward. I also want my work to help people take women’s sport seriously, not as an add-on, but as elite sport in its own right. If my journey helps open even a small door for someone else, that would mean a lot.
My advice would be simple: don’t take no for an answer.”
“Opportunities might not always come easy, and sometimes people won’t see your potential straight away - but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t keep pushing. Believe in yourself, be curious, and make the most of every chance to learn and get involved. Persistence and passion can take you further than you might expect.”
