On the Sidelines

Reviews / Votes

"[On the Sidelines] is a scholarly discussion that challenges both fans and media professionals to look inward rather than dismiss problems like online trolls, harassment, sexism, and racism as simply the cost of becoming a public figure."-Oskar Garcia, New York Times "On the Sidelines is a smart, compelling, convincing analysis of how contemporary discourses of feminism and neoliberalism converge to form and constrict the female sportscaster subjectivity. Sports broadcasting educators and professionals should read this book and earnestly consider the pragmatic solutions Harrison offers in the conclusion. Women in sportscasting should read this book to better understand how gendered neoliberalism corners them into no-win situations at work. Sport scholars should read this book as a model for making their analysis of women in sports media dance with contradictions and nuance in their arguments."-Jennifer McClearen, Sociology of Sport Journal "Harrison's careful and detailed analysis supports the gradual (and likely contested) social construction of a new normal, one where women can flourish both on and off the sidelines."-Rachel Allison, Gender and Society "Harrison's book offers opportunities for interesting discussions with students on how gender can be analysed within the sport media context as well as the implications of sport and sports media for equality, citizenship and human rights in society."-Britt-Marie Ringfjord, Idrotts Forum "The degree in which female sportscasters still face unwarranted barriers to inclusion and ascension within the industry can only be explicated by understanding how much masculinity is baked into the proverbial cake of sports media. Guy Harrison (and the ten women sportscasters interviewed for this book) reveal these factors superbly."-Andrew Billings, coauthor of Media and the Coming Out of Gay Male Athletes in American Team Sports "A very important and timely feminist intervention into debates around gendered neoliberalism. On the Sidelines provides a crucial if disturbing look at female sportscasters, shedding light on how sports media is not only a gendered but a profoundly gendering space."-Catherine Rottenberg, author of The Rise of Neoliberal Feminism