The ‘GIST’ in sports
When it comes to all things sports, the field is predominantly run by men. In 2018, three women, Ellen Hyslop, Jacie deHoop and Roslyn McLarty, launched The GIST, one of the first female-led sports media brands.
The GIST provides readers with daily newsletters that talk about the latest in the sports world. The media brand covers everything from women’s soccer to the NFL and so much more. The GIST team consists of 20 female writers and editors who cover everything from analytics and bracketing. What a dream.
In terms of female representation in sports media, less than 14% of sports journalists are women, only 4% of sports media content is dedicated to female athletes and of all C-suite executives in the four major sports, less than 2% are women, according to The Gist. So, seeing women’s representation through The GIST has been extremely refreshing and inspiring.
The newsletters are spunky and informative. I think the letters are filled with much more passion and urgency than most other sports media brands. Not to mention that the website is full of color and tons of fun articles to read through. It sheds a new light on female involvement in sports.
The ultimate goal of The GIST newsletters is to help women get more involved in the world of sports. As an avid sports fan, I read news outlets such as ESPN, Sports Illustrated and FOX Sports, but it all sounds the same. The GIST website and newsletters read like a conversation. I feel it makes it more enjoyable to read, especially when sometimes rules for sports, such as rugby, can get a bit confusing. The GIST really goes in depth to make sure the readers (predominantly women) gain a full understanding.
It’s no secret that professional sports, sports media coverage, and pretty much anything having to do with advanced athletes, is run by men. So, for women who are really looking to change the stereotype and try to make women more involved in athletics, The GIST is a great startup. It is definitely taking a step in the right direction for women in sports.
The GIST was one of the few media outlets to actually cover the new developments in the case of harassment allegations against coaches in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Not to mention, it was also one of the few outlets that actively covered the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) Finals.
Do not get it twisted. The GIST is doing so much more than having women cover women sports, it is changing the narrative. I encourage all sports fans to take a look at the website and sign up for the newsletters. We all know how painful it can be to read about our favorite sports teams losing and completely missing the mark season after season. But, The GIST does have great delivery, and they make reading about the losses fun.
If you love everything women and you love everything sports, The GIST is the perfect website for you. I hope that other media companies continue the trend and give female sports fans what they want. Which is? MORE FEMALE INVOLVEMENT.
