Being a sports fan myself, ESPN anchor Erin Andrews has long been on my radar. Since I was a little girl, I have dreamed of covering NBA or NCAA basketball games from the sidelines, so I’ve always been envious of what Ms. Andrews gets to do for a living. Truth be told, after watching her run on Dancing With The Stars, and following her every tweet, I’m pretty convinced that we’re long lost BFFs. She’s my kind of girl.
Andrews joined ESPN in May 2004 as a reporter for the network’s National Hockey League coverage. Since the 2004 season, she has served as a reporter for the ESPN College Football Saturday telecast, the Saturday Primetime college basketball game and Big Ten college basketball coverage. In 2005, she added Major League Baseball sideline reporting to her duties. She also provides reports and features on Great Outdoor Games coverage.
I want to watch a game with Erin. Not only does she know her stuff, but she seems super nice. And fun! In short: she comes across accessible and friendly. She isn’t afraid to be a goof and she really loves sports.
Too many sports media types think it is all about displaying their overwhelming personality, the sound of their own voice — not realizing it is as off-putting as it is allegedly “brand-building.”
As a sideline reporter – and, now as a video game feature and NFL Draft fixture – Erin staked out a seat right in the middle of the action. Next to the players and coaches for sure, but equally important, next to the fans. High Visibility + Open Personality = Accessibility and ultimately, Popularity.
Sports media reflects the direction of the rest of the world. We have moved away from I-know-best shouting and moved into a world of connections, of “friending” and “following.” And we want to connect with people who we genuinely like – or who we think we would like. That’s Erin.
Erin Andrews has become the queen of sports media because she has made herself accessible on the arena sideline and in your living room.
Note: Photos are not property of Work in Progress. They have been taken from various sources.
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Blech she’s butch. You know who I adore? Michelle Beadle from SN!
Comment by Janine @ Alternative Housewife April 6, 2011 @ 1:07 amOh, Janine. I can always count on you to tell me what you really think, and I love you for it.
Comment by Jennifer Stoddart April 6, 2011 @ 6:22 amHiya Jen, it’s been too long. I have disagree with Janine unfortunately — granted I havent’t ever heard her talk before, but judging solely from here pictures, Ms. Erin has it going on
Comment by Scott April 15, 2011 @ 6:14 am