A Call to Action in a Male-Dominated Industry

During the first post-pandemic media event at Madison Square Garden in 2021, Abby Chin, NBC Sports Boston’s Celtics sideline reporter, found herself in a startling realization. Among a crowd of 50 to 100 journalists, she was the sole woman present.

“These are the two marquee franchises in the NBA, and among a group of 50 to 100 people, I was the only woman. It’s 2021! That’s not right. I was dumbfounded,” said Chin.

This experience motivated Chin to advocate for increased representation of women in sports media and to support fellow female reporters in the industry. She joined a mentorship committee at WISE, aimed at empowering women in sports, and embarked on a new teaching journey.

Launching the “Women’s League” Podcast

In an effort to amplify the voices of women in sports broadcasting, Chin co-hosted a podcast titled “Women’s League” with former NESN Bruins reporter Naoko Funayama. The project aims to highlight personal stories from women in a challenging field.

Launched in March, coinciding with Women’s History Month, the podcast features interviews with well-known figures such as Michele Steele and Heidi Watney. Here, the focus remains on both the successes and the unique hurdles faced by women in the industry.

“This job can be really intimidating, and you have to have a really strong support system to get through those early stages,” Chin noted.

Navigating Personal and Professional Challenges

Balancing personal and professional lives, Chin is also a mother to two young children, whom she nursed while covering the Celtics. Her journey included negotiating with human resources for necessary accommodations during travel.

“People want to help. You have to tell them how or ask for what you need,” she emphasized, recognizing the difficulty many women face in advocating for themselves in male-dominated environments.

Teaching the Next Generation

This spring, Chin taught a broadcast journalism class at Boston University, focusing on preparing students for the realities of the industry. Her class provided opportunities for students to observe a female-led production crew during a BU men’s basketball game, showcasing potential role models for young women entering the field.

“I feel like you don’t know it’s possible until you can actually talk to someone who’s done it before,” Chin reflected.