Gabby Logan is set to make history as the first woman to front a men's World Cup for the BBC. The veteran sports presenter, 53, has spoken out about how football broadcasting used to be 'much more misogynistic' as she prepares to help lead the BBC's coverage of another men's World Cup.
Changing Landscape for Women in Sports Broadcasting
After decades covering major tournaments, Logan admits that the landscape for women in sport on television has changed dramatically, with more female presenters, pundits and commentators fronting coverage. She says: 'Sports TV generally is definitely a much more inclusive-looking place to work.'
Logan emphasises that the increasing visibility of women across football broadcasting matters far beyond television studios. She adds: 'It has definitely changed, but society still has problems in the way women are treated. The political landscape has shown that even in the last week. Football coverage can't solve that, but hopefully we can show the power of men and women working together, the power of female sporting role models, and then to a younger generation, it should be the norm.'
Reflections on Past Misogyny
Logan recalls a time when the conversation around female presenters focused on appearance rather than journalism or football knowledge. 'There was a time when so much of the conversation around female presenters focused on appearance and what they were wearing rather than their journalism or football knowledge. When I look back now, I realise how much more misogynistic it was. It was never the same for a male colleague, and there would be no comments about his suit.'
For the official BBC World Cup promo, Logan chose to wear a trouser suit and notes that the BBC does not have strict guidelines about outfits: 'The BBC doesn't really have any guidelines about outfits that work on screen, and we're pretty much left to our own devices.'
Personal Milestones and Support from Sport
Fronting the tournament marks a major milestone in Logan's career, as it is her 20th year working for BBC Sport. 'I have been involved in multiple men's World Cups before now,' she says. 'And I've been working the lead on the women's World Cups and Euros as well, so it has been a long time in the making, I think.'
Sport has also been a source of comfort following the death of her father, former Wales footballer Terry Yorath, who died aged 75 in January. Logan says: 'I think sport is really amazing in these moments, football was incredible and comforting. As a family, we took a lot of comfort from that. I was so proud of him. Your dad is one thing to you, and then to all these other people, he was something else.'
Longevity in Broadcasting and Health Regimen
Preparing to become one of the leading faces of the BBC's World Cup coverage alongside Kelly Cates and Mark Chapman, following Gary Lineker's departure, Logan credits her longevity to preparation, routine and learning how to cope with live television demands. Asked about longevity for women in sports broadcasting, she laughs: 'Being around at the same age as male colleagues. Gary (Lineker) was 64 when he left Match of the Day, so ask me in 11 years.'
Logan, an ambassador for Menopace, emphasises the importance of organisation and consistency. 'I make sure I take my supplements, including Menopace Max, whenever I travel. As much as I want to always reach for the healthy option food-wise, sometimes it's just not possible, especially when I'm not cooking for myself.' Exercise is non-negotiable: 'I need to move, so I check out my schedule as to when and where I might exercise. Even if it's a fast-paced walk and a hotel room workout, there's always something that can be done. Dips on a chair, burpees and the use of a dyno-band can be very effective.'
Thoughts on England Manager Thomas Tuchel
Logan is measured when talk turns to England's current manager, Thomas Tuchel, and his recent squad announcement. 'There's always going to be disagreements about the players and who is always going to be in,' she says of Tuchel's controversial decision to omit Harry Maguire, Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold. 'But I think he has got his strategy, he's got his plan. He seems to have emphasised the unity of the squad, and that's the most important thing for him. So yeah, it's on his shoulders, isn't it?'
While scrutiny surrounding women on screen has not disappeared entirely, Logan believes the industry finally looks very different from the one she entered. To the next generation watching, she hopes that difference simply feels normal.
