Name: Brodie Lawson
Position: Video Content Coordinator and Host
Education: Media, Information and Technoculture (MIT), Western University
Professional role models:
I have so many—too many to list! I love Katie Nolan who is hugely inspiring and represents where this industry is going—she is amazing. If you haven’t checked her out on Garbage Time on YouTube (on FOX in the USA), you should! Her stuff should be required viewing for women looking to get into sports broadcasting. For more traditional broadcasting, I look up to Sam Ponder who works on College Gameday. Her job (from an outsider) consists of working live on set with tons of fan engagement, doing in-depth interviews and sideline reporting. It’s a cool job and she kills it! She also speaks and writes candidly about working in sports, which I deeply appreciate.
In 140 characters or less, what is your favourite part of your job?
Getting to watch this great game as part of my job! Especially interviewing and learning about the players and coaches and connecting with fans!
What are your daily responsibilities?
My role is changing as we get into the season. Day to day it varies, but a day could consist of editing The Snap Wrap or other social videos, planning future shoots, preparing highlight packs, editing player and coach scrums, voicing game previews, editing game previews and interviewing a player, coach, or fan. It’s always changing and that’s partly why I love my job.
How has your role at the CFL changed?
Last year I was primarily editing and this year I am transitioning to more hosting. The exact changes are still to be determined as the season gets going, but I am ridiculously excited to be working with the league and getting to do more on-camera work.
Which tools or software do you use at work?
My favourite tool is our new Canon Vixia Mini X vlogging camera. I have done a few projects with it recently, which were so much fun! I do a ton of editing — that’s what I currently spend most of my day doing. I use Premiere Pro, which is new software for us this year. The last few years I used Final Cut Pro. Editing is necessary for any aspiring sports broadcaster!
[youtuber youtube=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8l9iwOrVV8g’]
What are the perks of working for the CFL?
There are a lot; as a CFL fan it’s pretty much a dream. The biggest perk in my opinion is our involvement with Grey Cup. Getting to be a part of the team that pulls a Grey Cup together, getting post-game reaction, talking to fans about their love and passion for the game, being on the field pre-game as the players go through their routine… I mean, it’s pretty astounding.
I was never involved in a sorority, so I’m curious about your experience at Western. How did leading the Alpha Omicron Pi girls as the chapter’s president prepare you for your current position at the CFL?
Joining AOII at Western was one of the best decisions I made at university. I loved getting a chance to build friendships with women I would never have met otherwise, many of whom I am still extremely close with today. Being the president of AOII at Western was such a unique experience. I don’t want to sound trite, but it was a huge blessing. I think the biggest takeaways were time management and managing relationships. It was important to me that every member felt they were heard and appreciated. I wanted them to feel like they could talk to me about anything! Building strong relationships with 60 women a year made me a more empathetic person, a better listener and a creative problem solver. These qualities absolutely help me execute my job, especially in interviews and dealing with personalities.
What is your goal for the upcoming season?
Work with the amazing team we have at the CFL to help connect and engage young fans with this incredible game!
What advice do you have for young women who want to work in sports?
The most cliché advice ever: do not give up. Network like crazy, keep learning, blog, vlog, diversify your skill set, work your butt off and eventually something will stick. Be brave enough to go after your dream even when you are told no and try to keep getting better at your craft. It will happen.
How do you think sports broadcasting will continue to evolve in Canada?
I think we are going to continue to see broadcasters move into the digital space, which is why I recommend learning about digital in any way possible. Whether you want to get into broadcasting or just sports, learn and understand digital and where it’s going and be prepared to think differently. Companies are looking to people, especially young people, to think creatively about how to build their digital properties.
