Sky News presenter tells of sexism on sports TV

0 Sarah-jane Mee: ‘If I’m not laughing, then it’s not funny’ The new host of Sky News’ breakfast show Sarah-jane Mee revealed she has experienced sexism as a woman working in sport.

The former Sky Sports presenter takes over on Monday from Eamonn Holmes as anchor of the flagship programme Sunrise and revealed throughout her career she has had to endure sexist comments.

“Working in sport can be extremely intimidating,” she said, adding: “For a while I had sleepless nights about it.

“There was, and can still be, a lot of sexism and patronising behaviour, especially from the old boys in sport.

“They would make sexist comments and say, ‘It’s just banter’. But if I’m not laughing, it’s not funny.”

She added: “As soon as the men got to know me and realised I knew my stuff, I earned some respect. But I’d still turn up in high heels with a blowdry. I was protecting a professional image.”

In 2011 Sky Sports became the centre of a sexism row when Richard Keys and fellow presenter Andy Gray were caught making offensive comments.