by Carol Gillis and Marissa Campo, AWC Detroit Marketing

Women have persevered for decades to have a seat at nearly every table, but there are still some markets where women are not well represented. One of those markets is sports journalism. The women who have broken through are few and far between, and they frequently face discrimination or equal opportunity challenges.

Jamie Edmonds, an Emmy-nominated sports anchor and reporter with WDIV-TV Detroit, has defied the odds. Edmonds covers the major professional teams, including Detroit’s own Tigers, Lions, Pistons, and Red Wings, as well as college and university teams. She reports on a variety of sports and news stories, hosts the Sports Final Edition show, and stays connected to her loyal audience on social media.

“There are a handful of women working in sports media in Metro Detroit, and even fewer in the sports television market. Jamie is one of the rare women anchoring sports in Detroit and she does a lovely job day in and out,”  said member Joanne Gerstner, a Sports Journalist in Residence at the Michigan State University School of Journalism, the owner of Gerstner Media LLC, and a commissioner on the State of Michigan’s Women in Sports Task Force. “She is a great role model for kids who see her on TV, showing that women can be sports reporters and anchors. I know Jamie is influencing the profession for the better with her outstanding work.”

In fact, Edmonds was nominated for the 2017 and 2019 Michigan Sportscaster of the Year award by the National Sports Media Association.

So how did she do it?

Edmonds’ passion ignited in her hometown of Pittsburgh, a city of historically enthusiastic sports fans. Her journey into sports media, however, started with exercising her interest in the news industry by studying journalism at the University of Delaware. It was there she sustained her love of sports by supporting her school’s teams and joining the Figure Skating team, which won the 2002 National Championships. It is no surprise that hockey is her favorite sport considering she even played girl’s hockey in high school.

“I grew up watching the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and Pitt Panthers, going to games with my dad. There was something about those magical Stanley Cup Playoff runs or watching the Steelers in the bitter cold compete for conference championships,” said Edmonds. “Those memories solidified my love for sports and how it can bring a community together. That is how I knew I wanted to work in the business.”

Nine of Edmonds’ 13 years in media have been in the sports arena, starting with her work as a Flint-based sports anchor and reporter for WEYI/NBC25 where she focused on local and college sports stories, social media, and web video stories. In 2013, Edmonds was drafted by the WDIV Local 4 sports team. Before her sports experience, she built a strong foundation as a reporter for WILX in Lansing covering broader news. 

A graduate of the University of Delaware, Edmonds was an editor for the school’s student newspaper called The Review and earned her bachelor’s degree in English with a concentration in journalism. She continued her education with a Master of Science in broadcast from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism in 2007. She also married her husband four years ago in her hometown of Pittsburgh (the Burgh). 

Words of wisdom 

There isn’t a clear-cut path to success in any field, but Edmonds offered some valuable advice. Although she speaks to young women interested in a journalism or media career, her advice is impactful and relevant for women at any stage of their lives or professional journeys.

  1. She encourages women to be flexible and willing to jump at interesting opportunities. “I took a job in news first. It wasn’t the path I thought I would take, but it made me a better journalist,” she explained. “Be flexible and it may even help you be more versatile down the road.”
  2. Like any sports team, a loyal support system can help you build the confidence needed to make the next move. Edmonds reflects on how she felt blessed to have colleagues in both Flint and Detroit who believed in her and believed that a woman could – and should – excel in the male-dominated field of sports media. “I wasn’t the first in Detroit and I won’t be the last.” 
  3. Edmonds shares the importance of standing your ground and ignoring those who try to shake you. “Sometimes it can be difficult for women in the sports world. You must work extra hard to prove you know what you’re talking about with the stats, play calls, or history. Do your homework, but know there will always be naysayers,” she said. 
  4. Finally, she emphasizes the need to be authentic. “Trying to be like someone else just won’t work and viewers will appreciate seeing your true personality on air.”

Edmonds proves there is no substitute for following your passion, earning the credentials, knowing “your stuff”, and consistently delivering quality work to succeed – especially in an arena that remains tough to break into for women.

Congratulations to Jamie on her Media Room Spotlight recognition!