SA's Melissa Reddy among seven reporters axed by Sky Sports News
Melissa Reddy one of seven axed by Sky Sports South African football journalist Melissa Reddy has reportedly been axed by Sky Sports news after joining the broadcaster in 2022. Photo: @MelissaReddy_ on X
Image: @MelissaReddy_ on X
IN A SIGNIFICANT restructuring move, South African reporter Melissa Reddy is among seven journalists who have been removed from their positions at Sky Sports News. According to an internal memo reported by UK tabloid The Sun, the decision was communicated on Tuesday, marking a drastic change within the broadcaster.
Since joining Sky Sports in 2022, Reddy has established herself as a formidable senior football reporter, covering pivotal stories in the Premier League and beyond. With a keen focus on Liverpool – the club she has long supported – she provided insights and in-depth analysis, and interviewed prominent figures in football, including former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp and ex-Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag.
Reddy's journey into sports journalism, particularly within the UK's male-dominated environment, has been marked by her resilience and determination.
“Trying to enter that realm as a young, foreign, female of colour was challenging for a variety of reasons, not least because it is not what people are used to," Reddy explained in an interview with Gsport.com.
"I had to work so much harder, take so many more losses, show the most persistence and focus possible."
Before her tenure at Sky Sports, Reddy honed her skills at Johannesburg’s Kick Off magazine, where she served as deputy editor.
This experience laid a solid groundwork for her impactful reporting in the UK. Apart from her work on television, she was also a familiar face on The Redmen channel on YouTube, where she passionately discussed Liverpool-related news.
Her personal life has similarly drawn attention, particularly her reported relationship with former Liverpool forward Sadio Mané, who recently made headlines following his move to Bayern Munich in Germany’s Bundesliga.
This aspect has further amplified her prominence in the football reporting sphere.
The exact reasons behind the mass layoffs at Sky Sports remain unclear, but the move highlights the ever-evolving landscape of sports journalism, which often reflects broader changes in audience engagement, media consumption, and competitive dynamics within the industry.
DAILY NEWS