Beyond the broadcast: Emily Austin’s story of passion, perseverance, and success

Emily Austin is a rising star in the world of sports journalism who has made waves with her tenacity and unique approach to broadcasting. Emily’s journey is one of persistence, passion, and self-made success. Now, as a key reporter at DAZN and an influential opinion leader, Emily shares with Global Networker her insights on navigating a male-dominated industry, leveraging social media to amplify her voice, and staying true to her values.

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Emily, your journey into sports journalism began during the pandemic when you started interviewing athletes on Instagram. Can you take us back to that moment? What inspired you to take that leap?

I was really frustrated when school was canceled and felt suffocated at home. I found myself endlessly scrolling on social media, listening to others go live on Instagram, just trying to maintain some kind of social connection. One day, my mom approached me and said, “All day, you listen to other people. Why don’t you start something yourself?” I didn’t think it would work, but like they say, mothers always know best.

Emily Austin, Photo: Valerie Gere

What do you think sets your approach apart from other sports journalists?

I believe authenticity is always the best way to go. Whether people like me or not, they’ll always know that what you see is what you get with me. I speak my mind, I’m not afraid to admit when I misspeak or when I’m wrong, and I’m open to dialogue and other perspectives. Because of this, it’s easy to engage people and spark their interest in what I have to say.

How has your platform helped amplify your voice?

Having a platform is such a blessing—you can reach so many hearts and minds. Whenever I make a post, whether it’s funny or serious, I ask myself, “How will this affect people?” and “Will something positive come out of this?” I put a lot of thought into the content I share. If I don’t believe in something or if it’s not genuine, I won’t publish it. That’s why, when I do use my platform to speak up, I find comfort in knowing my followers understand how important and personal my message is.

What obstacles have you faced as a woman in sports broadcasting, and how do you navigate gender-related challenges in a male-dominated field?

As a woman, the biggest challenge is being overlooked and belittled online. There’s this perception that men make better analysts or commentators than women. While I agree that men are generally stronger athletes, I don’t believe that applies to broadcasting. It’s common to see hate online telling women to “stay in their lane” or “stay in the kitchen,” criticizing those who choose to pursue careers in sports. But I believe you can be both feminine and hardworking. Over time, people see the hustle and ultimately respect it.

Your work with DAZN in boxing coverage is another milestone. How has this role shaped your professional trajectory, and what excites you most about this job?

Working with DAZN, especially in boxing, was an entirely new experience for me as a reporter. I was more familiar with team sports than one-on-one combat sports, and this role gave me a new perspective on athletes. The pressure in boxing is immense—unlike team sports, there’s no one else to blame but yourself. Another incredible part of this job is the travel. I’ve had the opportunity to visit new places, like Saudi Arabia, and immerse myself in beautiful new cultures.

What are some strategies or habits that have helped you stay focused and excel in such a fast-paced and competitive industry?

First and foremost, I’m always grateful to be where I am. I know this industry is highly competitive, and there are many people who would love to be in my position. Whenever I feel like I’m missing out on social opportunities, I remind myself that someone is always willing to outwork me. I have to remember the days when I dreamed of being here and never allow myself to become complacent.

You’ve been a vocal advocate for Jewish identity, speaking out against antisemitism. How has your Jewish background influenced your career and approach to public life?

I always kept my identity personal—until suddenly, my identity became a public matter. As antisemitism started rising, I felt it was my obligation to speak up. No one should ever feel insecure about taking pride in their identity, no matter what it is. I never push my beliefs onto others—I respect all religions and faiths, and I expect that same respect in return.

Looking back at your rapid rise in the industry, what role has mentorship played in your career, and who have been your biggest influences?

There have only been a handful of people who served as mentors for me, and that was a big eye-opener to how cutthroat this industry can be. I’ve encountered more people who tried to bring me down than those willing to help, which was disheartening as a young woman just starting out. I always thought successful people would be more inclined to uplift others. But those few who did support me, I’ll always appreciate them. Seeing how many people refused to help actually motivated me to do the opposite. I’ve mentored interns, helping them grow into bigger roles, even at my own expense, because I believe it’s the right thing to do.

What advice would you give to young people trying to break into journalism or media today?

Just go for it. Start somewhere, stay true to yourself, and see if you can turn your hobby into a career. Authentic content creation is needed in a world full of fake personas. At the same time, don’t put all your eggs in one basket—it’s important to have a backup plan. If you can balance both, you’ll have it all!

Emily Austin, Photo: Valerie Gere

What are your next big goals? Where do you see your career heading in the next five years?

I’ve been very busy with my skincare company, People’s Beauty. A lot of people don’t focus on it because of my media work, but it’s a South Korean skincare brand that’s clean, vegan, and cruelty-free. I started as an influencer for the brand, fell in love with it, and now I own it. I couldn’t be more proud of how much we’ve grown as a company, and I’d definitely encourage everyone to give it a try—it’s safe and effective for all skin types and every gender.

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