INTERVIEW WITH TNT SPORTS SENIOR PRODUCTION MANAGER UMO GLOVER FOR IWD 2025

What draws you to your career in live sport?
The dynamic and excitement of live sports production really draw me in. There’s nothing like the adrenaline rush of a live broadcast, where every second counts, and our work directly impacts the audience’s experience. The fast-paced environment keeps me alert and ready to adapt to any situation.

Working with talented and dedicated professionals is incredibly rewarding. There’s always something new to learn, whether it’s innovative techniques or creative problem-solving strategies. Knowing that our work creates unforgettable experiences for viewers keeps me passionate and engaged in my career.

How did you first find out about TV broadcasting as a career? What was your inspiration?
I first discovered TV broadcasting as a career through a combination of personal passion and early exposure to media production. At 14 or 15, I participated in Westminster Summer Action projects with other students, where we were tasked with photography, filming short segments, writing articles, conducting interviews, and learning basic editing skills. This hands-on experience sparked my interest in media and mass communication.

Growing up, I was quite good in athletics, particularly track races, I also played hockey and basketball. I studied PE for my GCSEs and spent some time researching and analysing different sports. As I watched more live broadcasts, I became fascinated by how sports were presented, the excitement of live coverage, and was intrigued by the production techniques that made viewers feel immersed in the action.

My inspiration came from watching major sporting events like the FIFA World Cup and the Summer Olympics, where storytelling through sports evoked such powerful emotions. I realised I wanted to be part of the team that brings those moments to life. The blend of creativity, technology, and high-pressure execution was exactly what drew me into sports broadcasting.

What advice would you give to other women looking to move into a role in sports broadcasting like your own?
Well, first and foremost be persistent, be confident, and don’t wait for opportunities to come to you. The sports broadcasting industry can be fast-paced and competitive, but there is absolutely space for women to thrive, lead, and make an impact. You have to back yourself and keep pushing forward.

Build a strong foundation of skills, whether in production, live broadcasting, technical operations, or storytelling. Know your craft inside and out. If you’re on the production side, understand scheduling, logistics, and problem-solving under pressure. If you’re more technical, stay on top of the latest software, cameras, editing tools, and emerging broadcast technology, because this industry evolves constantly, and the more adaptable you are, the more valuable you become.

Relationships are everything. This industry is built on teamwork, trust, and collaboration. Surround yourself with people who inspire you, learn from those ahead of you, and don’t be afraid to reach out to others in the field. Whether it’s a mentor, a peer, or someone you admire from afar, connections will keep you relevant, informed, and open doors you never expected.

Also, don’t underestimate the power of simply being present. Show up to industry events, networking sessions, and live broadcasts. Make sure people know who you are and what you bring to the table. And if you’re ever in a room where you feel like you don’t belong, stay there anyway. You absolutely do belong, and your voice, perspective, and skills matter.

Finally, never lose sight of why you wanted to do this in the first place. Sports broadcasting is about passion, energy, and capturing the moments that bring people together. Hold onto that, stay hungry, and keep going.

To read the full interview with Umo, head to SVG Europe - Part 1 and Part 2