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Joined August 2014
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Melinda Farrell is a freelance sports journalist who has covered a wide range of sporting codes for print, television and radio in Australia and the UK. Although she has a particular passion for cricket and rugby league, Melinda's varied career has seen her reporting from pit lane in the World Superbike Championship, floor managing on the UK's biggest indoor equestrian event, and filming camel sleepovers for an opening ceremony in the Middle East.
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Hi, Australia. I love you, I really do. I was born in Australia, grew up here and happily live here. There are so many…
When you're a sports reporter, there are occasional times you actually get to talk and write about... well... sport. You know, the stuff that…
Ha! Cheers and I sincerely hope your ears have stopped bleeding…
Why the Meg-astorm about a commentator?
I saw the announcement and clicked on the link to CA’s Facebook page. The announcement had only just been made and there was a large number of really poor comments. So much so that CA itself published an article on it, so they clearly noticed it as well.
I was going to write about something else that day but this just struck a chord because I’ve encountered this kind of attitude a lot, even high up in media organisations.
It’s certainly not faux outrage, it’s an opinion – largely based on experience – and, to be honest, I’m not really bothered about hits and headlines. If people find things I write interesting or thought provoking, then that’s great. If not, I’m still happy to write if I feel I have something to say.
Why the Meg-astorm about a commentator?
I think most if not all women working in sports broadcasting in Australia are there because they deserve to be. It is changing, thank goodness.
Why the Meg-astorm about a commentator?
Cheers for the comment about respect.
Happy to say I never refer to myself as an expert. That was chosen by the powers that be at The Roar.
As I’ve explained on a few comments, these kinds of views are actually far more widespread than a few people on social media. I base this on quite a bit of experience in the media and sport. But I wrote this in the context of reading a lot of ordinary comments on the announcement. Personally, I don’t think they should have made an announcement at all, they could have just let her quietly slip in and get some experience without any fanfare and that would possibly have been better.
It’s not faux outrage and it matters to a lot of young women who might harbour hopes of working in sports media – maybe even commentary – in areas that are still largely out of bounds.
Why the Meg-astorm about a commentator?
Might be worth remembering she’s commentating on domestic ODI’s. Do commentators usually recall the classic domestic ODI season of 1993 or other historic 50 over clashes between Queensland and Tasmania? This is more about the game unfolding in front of you. I mean Steve O’Keefe and James Pattinson have had stints at Nine on T20s etc and no one batted an eyelid.
Why the Meg-astorm about a commentator?
Actually, my opinion is largely based on quite a bit of experience within the media. I don’t generally like talking about it because I don’t want to make a fuss and I quite like working. I just try to get on with the job. But the kind of views that were expressed, particularly on the CA facebook page, are far more common that you would probably believe.
Why the Meg-astorm about a commentator?
Hi all, sorry for the delayed replies. Have been busy but really appreciate everyone taking the time to read and comment. I wasn’t criticising Nine’s commentary at all, nor comparing it to the BBC. I’ve had quite a bit of experience with a range of media organisations in both Australia and England so my views are drawn from that. I honestly do think we’ve got a way to go in Australia when it comes to media and broadcasting. But I’m really happy so many enlightened Roar readers want to give Meg a go. Cheers.
Why the Meg-astorm about a commentator?
Hi raging truth. Hopefully you’re not referring to me. I don’t dislike Robbie Farah or the Tigers at all – far from it – and I’d hope that couldn’t be inferred from this article. As I said, the blame for this messy situation can probably be shared around. Cheers!
It's time to clean the Tigers den
I completely understand your frustration. I guess the NRL has to find the right people to fill those positions and that might not be as simple as it sounds.
It's time to clean the Tigers den
It’s a key issue, isn’t it? I’m sure the hope is that things will improve with the appointment of three independent directors by the NRL.
It's time to clean the Tigers den
It’s an interesting point that was also made by Andrew Webster in the SMH.
It's time to clean the Tigers den
Thanks for the welcome, Chop! And thanks to everyone for your comments – I really appreciate you all taking the time.
It's time to clean the Tigers den
Dizzy, I’ve been on the road and working like a bastard since I wrote this so I haven’t had time to respond.
I do appreciate your concern though!
Why the Meg-astorm about a commentator?