Axed Sky Sports presenter opens up on abuse and details new career path

Irish Daily Mirror

3 days ago

Axed Sky Sports reporter Melissa Reddy has disclosed her intention to dive back into the literary world following her parting with the broadcaster. After a three-year tenure as a senior reporter, Reddy will leave Sky Sports this summer.
During her stint, the South African journalist reported on some major stories within the Premier League, particularly focusing on Manchester United and Liverpool clubs.
However, Sky confirmed on Wednesday that Reddy, along with six colleagues, would be leaving their posts. This comes in the wake of the cancellation of The Football Show, leading to long-standing presenter Rob Wotton's exit after 27 years.
Other presenters like Teddy Draper and Jasper Taylor will be departing from the channel this summer after dedicating 18 and 11 years respectively. Jeremy Langdon, a familiar face for two decades, is detaching from Sky Sports News, with senior reporter Fadumo Okow and a news editor also on the way out.
The announcement of Reddy's departure stands out amongst these significant exits, but she seems set for a fresh chapter in her career, reports the Mirror.
Reddy took to Instagram to express her mixed feelings: "ELEVENTH! ! ! season of Premier League coverage done and I've called time on three years at Sky. I'll still be doing bits and bobs for them.
"But I'm genuinely soooo excited to share all the things I'll be working on soon, which will allow me to focus on my strengths and passions. For those that have BEEN asking for the past five years, YES - that will include new books."
Reddy opened up about the abuse she has experienced during her career as a sports journalist. She lamented that little had changed since her early industry days, though she expressed gratitude for the supportive messages she's received.
"After the first press conference I covered in England all those years back, a journalist turned to the press officer and said 'why are you letting them come over here and take our jobs. You just want a little lick, don't you? !'" Reddy recounted.
"I would love to be able to say that things have changed in that regard, but alas... the abuse as a foreign woman of colour in this sphere never ceases. I will always be stronger than the hate; I know who I am, I know the substance of my work.
"You can't dim the light of someone who learned how to shine in the dark. The messages I've received from managers, players, club staff, my Sky and wider industry colleagues - people who know me, my journey and sacrifices over the past decade - carry more weight than any of the nasty noise. Let's cook."
As Reddy moves on to new challenges, well-wishes pour in from her former colleagues. Formula 1 host Natalie Pike remarked, "Thank you for always shining a light for the women in our industry."
Sports commentator Pien Meulensteen commented, "Good luck looking forward to seeing what you get up to next."
Meanwhile, presenter Reshmin Chowdhury encouraged her, "Keep shining, my lovely! Can't wait to see what's cooking."