For the BBC to actually serve audiences it must mirror the range and vitality of the UK. The partnership with BCOMS (Black Collective of Media in Sport) performs an amazing function right here, serving to to carry thrilling new expertise into our HQ at MediaCity in Salford. Breaking into the sports activities media business could be daunting, however for Holly Bacon, Usmaan Akhtar, and Moey Lanez, the BCOMS Masterclass program was the launchpad that turned goals into actuality.
Seeing BCOMS alumni go on to implausible careers within the business is uplifting, having been within the room when a couple of of us black media professionals in sport got here collectively to debate how we would enhance the range in our space. It’s great to see the alternatives that BCOMS is creating for younger folks in Sports activities Media. By partnerships with media organisations, sports activities golf equipment, and key decision-makers, they’re breaking down obstacles and opening doorways.
BBC Sport’s help of the BCOMS North Masterclass program is not only creating alternatives—its launching careers. The entry, mentorship, and hands-on expertise supplied by BCOMS and the likes of BBC Sport, ITV Sport, Liverpool FC, Method 1 and lots of others is eradicating obstacles and permitting folks to ascertain themselves within the business whereas additionally diversifying their very own work drive by constructing relationships with contemporary expertise.
Leon Mann, founding father of BCOMS says: “Initially, we needed to persuade leaders {that a} extra various business can be a greater performing business. The debates in 2009 have been tiresome, however visionary leaders stepped up.
“Our partnership with BBC Sport is a superb instance of our affect. BCOMS brings credibility inside communities, concepts and the attitude of these with a lived expertise. BBC Sport is a companion who actually believes in how range and inclusion can drive higher efficiency.”
Constructing confidence and breaking obstacles
For Holly Bacon, the BCOMS North Masterclass program was a turning level. She joined as an undergraduate scholar searching for expertise and connections in sports activities journalism. She gained alternatives to work as a runner at Wimbledon, report from Previous Trafford, and safe placements with BBC Sport. These first steps led to a contract function at BBC Sport throughout her ultimate yr at college and, in the end, her first contract only a week after graduating.
“Since strolling by way of the door at BBC Sport, I’ve discovered a lot,” Holly shares. From engaged on Olympics and Euro 2024, to turning into BBC Radio Lancashire’s lead presenter for soccer protection on a Saturday, Holly’s journey goes from power to power. “Everybody within the business talks in regards to the significance of getting your foot within the door and the BCOMS programme helped me try this.”
Opening doorways and offering mentorship
For Usmaan Akhtar BCOMS was not only a stepping stone however a profession catalyst. Reflecting on his journey, he says, “BCOMS have given me a lot, from help and self-belief to alternatives. They lined all of it and extra!” His first function as a runner for BBC Sport “helped open so many doorways”. It rapidly led to freelancing alternatives and powerful relationships within the business, particularly with biking in Scotland.
Considered one of Usmaan’s standout moments got here when BCOMS secured him an interview with Crew GB, enabling him to journey to Paris and create content material for the workforce – “a second that has modified my profession.” Now, as a freelancer with BBC Sport, he has labored in varied departments, from social media to sports activities information, and continues to develop his profession in sport media.
“With out BCOMS, I wouldn’t have obtained the steering and help I wanted to essentially set up myself,” Usmaan displays. “They’re the cornerstone to all of the success I had in my profession.”
Transformative alternatives in sports activities media
Moey Lanez’s expertise echoes the affect BCOMS has on its alumni. He gained hands-on expertise that led to freelancing alternatives with the BBC’s Stumped podcast workforce and elsewhere.
“Being a part of BCOMS has additionally proven me the facility of mentorship and neighborhood in a aggressive subject. The openings it supplied within the sports activities business has been unparalleled, and this system’s deal with range and inclusion has bolstered the significance of illustration in sports activities media.”
Working as a journalism researcher with BBC Sport has been a dynamic expertise, permitting him to pitch tales, help with reside broadcasts, and contribute to impactful sports activities content material. “Every mission has been a studying expertise, serving to me refine my analysis expertise, storytelling talents, and understanding of viewers engagement.”
Impression
For all three alumni, the collaboration between BCOMS and the business represents greater than skilled growth—it’s a press release in regards to the energy of inclusion and mentorship. From the North Masterclass program to freelance alternatives, BCOMS has been a game-changer in breaking down obstacles for various voices in sports activities media. “Not solely did I meet and join with so many implausible folks,” says Holly, “I additionally picked up priceless expertise which have helped me on my journey into sports activities media business.”
“The collaboration between BCOMS, BBC Sport and lots of others has actually modified the lives of so many, together with myself,” Usmaan displays. “They laid and watered the roots so I may develop and turn into the particular person I’m immediately.”
“These alternatives haven’t solely helped me develop as an expert, but in addition ignited my ardour for creating impactful tales in sports activities journalism,” says Moey.
This partnership isn’t simply serving to people—it’s reshaping the panorama of sports activities journalism, ensuring it higher displays the varied tales, voices, and audiences it serves – that’s one thing value celebrating.
