How long have you been working with TSN?

Marissa Roberto: This November will mark my 5th year with TSN hosting Digital SportsCentre.

When did you first make the decision to get into sports journalism/broadcasting? What drove you to do so?

MR: I was VERY into baseball and video games but knew that I could never make money as a professional playing either, so I figured if I went to journalism school, I could at least learn how to properly story-tell within these industries I loved so much. I was also really into shows like Electric Playground, Attack of the Show, and XPlay. I would watch those hosts and want to do the same thing. So, your answer to "what drove me"...I'm a Leo, and it was jealousy. 

Is there a particular journalist that has influenced you in your career?

MR: Erin Andrews has always been a shining star to me. The way she handles herself in every sport she covers, and how she dealt with incidents that made headlines was truly inspiring. A pro's pro.

What have the last 3 years during the pandemic meant to you personally/professionally? What were the biggest adjustments you made during that time? 

MR: We completely adapted the show to be remote. Digital SportsCentre was the ONLY sports news show that did not miss a day during the pandemic. Monday to Friday we made content. Our team is incredible and I'm constantly impressed by them. 

What are your thoughts on how the media currently covers women’s sports?

MR: It's getting better. There can always be massive strides made and we'll continue to push to make it happen. It definitely helps we have the best women's soccer and hockey teams in the world here in Canada. They're doing the heavy lifting and making it easy for me to promote and gloat about them whenever possible.

With your job, sometimes the access viewers and fans have with you can be very rewarding but also very damaging; how do you take care of yourself?

MR: That's a good question. I don't really. I always feel like I have to be posting something. Definitely the downside of an always-on digital life.

In your words, why is it so important to have diverse voices and viewpoints in media? 

MR: Imagine everyone had to share an opinion. How boring! We all have unique perspectives and experiences that should be showcased and acknowledged. Audiences want to feel like they have a voice they can resonate with. The more diversity we can have in these spaces, the bigger our community becomes.

Has your view of what Women’s history means now, compared to what it meant in the past, changed? 

MR: I think I feel the weight of it more now that I'm in my 30s. You realize how much has been done ahead of you and just how much further we need to go. 

What advice would you give to your younger self when you first started? 

MR: Stop worrying so much about the future. Whatever is meant for you will find you.

What’s the best part of your job?

MR: Without question, the people. I am and can do NOTHING without the talented, hard-working people around me. I feel incredibly blessed to have worked with some of the BEST writers, producers, editors, and directors in Canada. Plus we get to meet some pretty cool people with jobs I'm jealous of all the time; massive bonus.

What does being a woman here in Canada mean to you?

MR: I'm grateful to live in a country that believes in a woman's right to choose with access to safe and affordable healthcare. I understand what a privilege it is to have been born here, and raised in a family with strong women, never afraid to hide their voices.