Commentator Oatley to attend panel discussion

The event, aimed at the University’s Journalism students, will take place on Friday, 19 April 2013 and has been organised in conjunction with the University by TV presenter and journalist Dennis Coath.

It will begin with a lecture from Dennis, before concluding with a question and answer session which will give a panel of female figures the chance to share their wisdom.

Scheduled to appear at the event include Jacqui Oatley and Karthi Gnanasegaram, both of whom are returning to their hometown of Wolverhampton, as well as Shelley Gudgeon, Kim Meadon and Linda O’Brien.

Jacqui Oatley has gone down in history as the first female to commentate for BBC’s Match of the Day programme. Her distinguished career has included broadcasting roles with ESPN and IMG, as well as commentating on the London Olympic Games and the football World Cup.

Speaking about the event, Jacqui Oatley said: “I’m really looking forward to coming back to my home town. I don’t get the chance too often these days and to be able to come and speak to students at the University about what I do is great for me personally.”

Karthi Gnanasegaram began her career as a freelance sports presenter for Five News and a reporter on the BBC's Liquid News. She then went on to present the sport for BBC London, as well as appearing on Grandstand and Five Live. She has also worked for Al Jazeera and Sky News as a sports presenter, first appearing on the BBC News channel in 2011.

Shelley Gudgeon is part of the National Game Strategy Office at the Football Association. She has provided workshops to support the development of football coaches and played a lead in Sport England’s Sportivate project.

Kim Meadon was an apprentice with Shrewsbury Town Women’s FC before an injury derailed her football career. After a stint in the Army as a chef she chose to become a sports coach, concentrating on working with young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEETs).

Linda O’Brien started her journalism career in the written press. Since then she has gone on to work for Anglia TV as a news reporter, ITV as a sports reporter before joining Sky to work on their Premier League programme.

Dennis Coath, Visiting Lecturer at the University’s School of Law, Social Sciences and Communications, said: “It’s a huge honour and privilege to help organise this event with the University of Wolverhampton. The role of women in sport and sports media has gained more prominence in recent years and I believe that trend needs to continue. I’m delighted that this event will help to highlight the positive impact that our special guests have made in the industry.”

ENDS

For more information please contact the Media Relations Office on 01902 322736

Date Issued: Monday, 15 April 2013