Sports fans: This one’s for you. Cosmo ME had the chance to talk to Dr. Stephanie Saad, a talented journalist from beIN sports, to really discuss the significance of women in the realm of Sports Media. With women in football growing immensely, the spotlight is now finally on us.
Cosmo ME and the Lebanese-Qatari presenter discussed empowering women in sports, her journey on her succes in her field, and her role models that paved the way for her in the male-dominated industry.
Scroll down to read our interview with Dr. Stephanie Saad for ~all~ the insight…
Cosmo ME: What was your inspiration to enter the sports industry?
Dr. Stephanie Saad: As a child, I was very sociable, and was always told by family, friends and teachers that I belong in the media world. I was also very fascinated by sports and the broadcasting world so I would practice presenting in front of my family, and my late grandfather who was my biggest fan and inspired me to pursue a career in broadcasting.
C: We know how difficult the scene is for women to break into. How did you do it? Do you have any words of wisdom for young, female aspirants looking to enter the industry?
Dr. SS: I look back at the journey that led me to where I am, and it started as a fan of Lebanon’s Sagesse sports club that I wanted to be a part of. So, in 2012, I became a member of the club’s Fans Committee and joined the most engaged group of basketball fans on Facebook. Here I grew my sports network which, to be honest, was very much male-dominated. However, over time I noticed that more women were gaining a voice by joining the team’s fan committee and actively taking part in discussions and debates.
At the same time, I started seeing more female sports journalists and I, too, was given the opportunity to be a journalist for the sports-focused website, Sports-Leb in 2013. I was a PhD candidate then, so I decided to re-focus my thesis on sports terminology, and specifically basketball.
For all the aspiring women who are looking to break the glass ceiling, I would urge them to continue to gain as much experience as they can and continue to pursue their passion. Break the stereotypes, challenge the norm, and keep building up other women in the industry.
Via @stephany.saad on Instagram
C: Do you have any role models who you think paved the way for women like you in the industry?
Dr. SS: One of the best TV shows when I was growing up in Lebanon was “Hiwar el Omer” on LBCI, presented by the amazing Giselle Khoury. She was and still is, a role model for all females in the field, especially for Lebanese women. Her way of tackling topics, managing discussions, intelligence, witty remarks, presence and command on air was captivating to watch. She made us feel that a woman can have a truly powerful presence in the industry.
C: How did you start working for beIN SPORTS?
Dr. SS: In 2016, I started working as a sports anchor, reporter, and producer at the Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation International (LBCI) where I gained a wealth of sports industry experience, covering a wide range of sporting events such as the Asian Games 2018 and producing/presenting a show for the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 TM.
Between 2019 and 2022, I worked at various broadcasting companies including Sky News Arabia and Al Aan TV where I covered Formula 1 in Abu Dhabi and hosted my own show “Captain Stef“. This helped me gain a wider perspective on the industry and learn the ins and outs of the business. Then in 2022, I was given the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join beIN SPORTS shortly before the leading broadcaster was gearing up to cover the historic FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM.
Via @stephany.saad on Instagram
C: How was your experience covering the FIFA World Cup 2022™?
Dr. SS: It has always been a dream of mine to attend a World Cup, so to be given an opportunity to also cover it is by far the highlight of my career.
Cosmo ME: Do you play any sports yourself?
Dr Stephanie Saad: Yes, I play basketball and enjoy table tennis, jogging and cycling.
C: How do you envision the future for Arab women in sports media and how important is it for women in the region to have a place in the industry?
Dr. SS: I truly see great potential for growth and progress for Arab women in sports media. Over the past few years, we have witnessed women from this part of the world continue to make their mark in various fields, including sports and journalism. Based on the current trajectory, I expect Arab women to continue to grow and carve their own paths in a largely competitive industry.
The future for Arab women in sports media looks extremely promising and our presence is vital to resonate with the aspirations and interests of the Arab population.