Home » Sport » Kiwi sports reporter Tiffany Salmond questions Fox Sports’ decision after alleged NRL reporting snub

Kiwi sports reporter Tiffany Salmond questions Fox Sports’ decision after alleged NRL reporting snub

by Alex Carter - Sports Editor

TV Host Learns of Dismissal Via Anonymous Report

Sports Broadcaster Expresses Devastation Over Media Leak

A familiar face on the sports broadcasting scene is speaking out after a reported dismissal, revealing the deeply upsetting circumstances surrounding her departure.

Uncertain Future After Australian Move

Tiffany Salmond was informed prior to relocating to Australia that Fox Sports would not be able to offer her a third season, citing budgetary constraints. Despite this news, she moved forward with optimism, anticipating other professional avenues would open up.

Tiffany Salmond interviewing Warriors great Shaun Johnson for Fox Sports in August 2023. Photo / Photosport

However, upon reaching Sydney and informing the network of her availability for new roles, she discovered a different reality.

“When I moved to Sydney shortly after and let them know I was available for any other opportunities, I still believed there was an open door,”

Tiffany Salmond, quoted by the Sydney Morning Herald

The situation took a painful turn when, weeks later, she encountered an anonymous quote attributed to a senior Fox source in the Daily Mail. This report stated that she no longer worked for the network “in any capacity.”

“But instead, a few weeks later, I read an anonymous quote from a senior Fox source in the Daily Mail saying I no longer worked for the network ‘in any capacity’.”

Tiffany Salmond, quoted by the Sydney Morning Herald

Salmond described the experience of learning about her employment status through the media as “devastating.”

Speculation on Reasons for Departure

Reflecting on the possible reasons for her dismissal, Salmond shared with the Sydney Morning Herald her belief that audience interest in her had grown to a point where further screen time might have overshadowed her initial sideline role.

She highlighted the continued engagement from viewers, stating, “Over a year later [since losing the job] I still receive constant messages asking where I am and why I haven’t been brought back.”

Frustrated by the lack of clear explanation, she questioned, “So if it’s not the boys’ club, then genuinely, I’d love to hear what it is.”

Salmond indicated that a return to rugby league media is improbable unless there are substantial industry reforms and shifts in broadcasting rights management.

“Back then I thought maybe they just didn’t realise how much the audience connected with me. But in time, I saw the truth,” she remarked.

“They did see it, they just didn’t care. And they didn’t want any part of it.”

The landscape of sports broadcasting has seen shifts in recent years. For instance, in 2023, the UK’s BBC announced plans to cut over 200 jobs as part of cost-saving measures, impacting various on-air and production roles (BBC News, 2023).

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