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      How Arsenal legend Ian Wright went from untouchable pundit frozen out by BBC and ITV to one of the nation’s favourites

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      IAN WRIGHT has opened up on why he was snubbed for years by the BBC and ITV before making his comeback in 2015. The much-loved pundit quit Match of the Day 15 years ago after falling out with TV bosses.
      Ian Wright made his Match of the Day debut when he was still a playerCredit: TWITTER/IAN WRIGHT
      The Arsenal legend became a regular again on MOTD in 2015Credit: BBC
      But it came after he was axed in 2008 after a disagreement with TV bosses that lasted yearsCredit: Getty
      Wright is again set to step back from screens at the end of this season – but now on far better terms.
      The former England striker announced he is leaving MOTD”to do a few more different things with my Saturdays.”
      Wright made his debut on the iconic highlights show in 1997, while he was still playing in the Premier League with Arsenal at the time.
      After retiring three years later, he began working as a regular pundit in 2002.
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      He lasted on Match of the Day for six years before being axed and frozen out by the BBC following a dispute with chiefs.
      The Gunners and Crystal Palace legend was unhappy as he thought he was only being used for comedy purposes to stop tensions arising between fellow pundits.
      Wright said at the time: “I feel like I am just there as a comedy jester to break the ice with Alan Shearer and Alan Hansen, who just do run-of-the-mill things.
      “I can’t do that any more. People want something different.”
      Most read in Football
      Ian Wright making his first Match of the Day appearance with Des Lynam and Trevor Brooking
      Wright has become a much-loved part of the showCredit: BBC
      Wright has now lifted the lid on his 2008 departure from the BBC as he spoke to his Wrighty’s House podcast.
      He said: “There was a time I wasn’t on the BBC for about nine years, they weren’t happy with a column I’d done about punditry and where it should be going, how it feels a bit sterile.
      “And the fact that I said I feel like I’m on the end and I’m being like a court jester, I come in for the light comic relief.
      “I said I’ve got more to offer.
      “I remember being off the BBC for about nine years and I couldn’t get nothing at ITV because the guy that got rid of me on the BBC went to ITV.
      “It’s funny because the guy I’m talking about Niall Sloan, he is like in the television world a father to me in terms of how he explains things to me, how he wants me to be.
      “We’re very tight now. But I couldn’t get on any television.”
      Desperate to continue his role in the media, the 1998 Premier League winner with Arsenal embarked on a career in radio and it ended up being the start of his comeback journey to tele.
      It led to him getting the job as host of a documentary about Laurie Cunningham, who was a pioneer for black footballers.
      Wright explained: “This is where Absolute Radio came in and everyone down there almost saved me, made me fall back in love with doing it.
      “To get back onside with Sloan from ITV, he wanted to do a documentary about Cunningham and the people doing it said: ‘We can’t do a documentary without me speaking about Cunningham.’
      “And so Sloan was like: ‘Okay he’ll do it, but he’ll do it if you give him a game again, let him get back on the TV.’
      “So I done it, it done really well and they gave me a game.
      “They gave me Chelsea against Brentford in the FA Cup and I was very fortunate because I was on with Martin Allen, who was somewhere else in space while he was on TV.
      “Everything he was saying I was able to counter-attack it and say, ‘well that’s not right because of this.’
      “I remember David Luiz really dived into somebody and I remember digging him out for that and then after that people were writing in saying: ‘Where’s he been? Why isn’t he on then?’
      “And it just turned on its head, I was back.
      “What it made me realise is you’ve got to put the work in.”
      Wright ended up landing a more permanent role on MOTD in 2015 after helping to convince BBC chiefs while doing international fixtures on ITV.
      Leaving once again is a tough decision – but Wright believes he has made the right one, explaining: “The time’s come for it I think.
      “I don’t want to go too deep into what it means to me but the music, every time I hear the music, it takes me back to an unbelievable place when I first remembered what Match of the Day meant to me.
      “Then to get myself into a position where I was able to be good enough to be on Match of the Day and then be a regular, it was more than I thought it was going to be.
      “When I first went on, not very rehearsed in what I was going to say or what I was going to be, I was winging it and I remember Des Lynam, when he welcomed me on to the show, I said to him ‘this is my Graceland’.
      “Match of the Day was my Graceland.
      “When I first got the call for it, it does hit hard. You are nervous, because some people still don’t realise, It’s live.
      “People still say ‘it’s live?’ Yeah. Obviously the games are highlights because we’re putting all the stuff on it.
      Read more on The Sun
      “But while we’re sitting there, we’re live. It’s a live show.”
      Wright says he is “really looking forward to my last months” on the show and is hopeful his time on MOTD will end with his beloved Arsenal winning the Premier League title.
      Ian Wright and son Shaun Wright-Phillips did punditry together last seasonCredit: BBC
      Ian Wright has also worked for ITV following his axe from teleCredit: Getty More

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      I’m an ex-Arsenal star-turned-TV pundit.. my wife takes the p*** out of my tattoo but there’s a secret meaning

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      IAN WRIGHT has revealed that he got tattoos in homage to his friendships with Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer.The Arsenal legend announced yesterday that he’ll be quitting Match of the Day at the end of the season.
      Ian Wright’s tattoos are visible on his left handCredit: Getty
      The 60-year-old has his pals’ squad numbers tattooed on his hand alongside his ownCredit: https://www.instagram.com/wrightyofficial/
      Wright, 60, has been a regular since 2015, having had his first stint as a regular on the show between 2002 and 2008.
      After returning to the iconic BBC show he became part of its top team alongside Lineker and Shearer.
      The trio have become incredibly close friends during their time together on Match of the Day.
      During the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, their bonds increased even further.
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      Wright feels such a connection to his two pals, that he even got their squad numbers from their playing careers tattooed on his hand next to his.
      Speaking on the latest episode of Wrighty’s House he explained what made him get his tattoo, and even admitted that wife Nancy Hallam has mocked him for it.
      He said: “I got my eight, nine, ten, everyone laughs at me, my missus and Roscoe laughs at my tattoo, eight, nine, ten because it’s my number, Shearer’s number and Lineker’s number.
      “And I thought I’d get that on, especially after we’d done the Covid [shows], we bonded really tightly in and around that time, we spoke to each other a lot, really got quite tight.
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      “I’m going to miss them, I’m going to miss the guys.”
      Announcing his decision to quit the show yesterday, Wright wrote on social media: “I’m stepping back having made great friends and many great memories.
      “This decision has been coming for a while, maybe my birthday earlier this year fast tracked it a little, but ultimately it’s time to do a few more different things with my Saturdays.
      “I’m really looking forward to my last months on the show and covering what will hopefully be an amazing Premier League title race.”
      An emotional Lineker, 63, tweeted in response: “It has been an absolute pleasure and privilege to work alongside you, Ian. One of my favourite people on the planet. Farewell my friend. ❤️”
      While fellow pal Shearer, 53, added: “See you in 3 hours. I’ll give you a big hug!!! ❤️”
      Wright, 60, is close friends with Gary Lineker and Alan ShearerCredit: TWITTER/IAN WRIGHT More

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      BBC presenter Emma Louise Jones stuns in leather mini skirt and tight top as fans say ‘my dream woman’

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      EMMA LOUISE JONES dazzled fans as she showed off her incredible new outfit.The BBC presenter wore a figure-hugging white top and stylish mini skirt as she posed for a mirror selfie.
      Emma Louise Jones wowed in a low-cut white topCredit: Instagram @eljonesuk
      The presenter has been dubbed the ‘dream women’ by adoring fansCredit: Instagram @eljonesuk
      Emma works for the BBC and Leeds UnitedCredit: Instagram @eljonesuk
      She has an incredible 404,000 followers onlineCredit: Instagram / @eljonesuk
      While flaunting her figure, Emma also gave fans a glimpse of her new and improved bedroom as she blogs the renovation of her home.
      But fans were of course left more focused on her stunning look than her matching carpets and walls.
      One said: “Absolute perfection. My dream women.”
      Another added: “Looking great x.”
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      A third commented: “Wow, wow and wow. Amazing as always.”
      More reacted: “Gorgeous.”
      Emma is no stranger to giving fans a treat and has amassed 404,000 adoring Instagram followers.
      She most recently caught the eye as she showed off her curves in a daring dress.
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      The 33-year-old also dazzled in a “breath-taking” low-cut top.
      Meanwhile, Emma is busy gearing up for Christmas and joked she was going to lose her job after a blunder during a photoshoot while hilariously dressed as an elf.
      Emma Louise Jones is renovating her home and regularly updates fansCredit: Instagram / @eljonesuk
      Emma supports LeedsCredit: instagram
      She often stuns in eye catching outfitsCredit: Instagram / @eljonesuk
      The host recently wowed in a sparkly dress at an awards ceremonyCredit: Instagram @eljonesuk More

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      Why has Ian Wright quit Match of the Day?

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      IAN Wright has announced that he will be stepping down from his job as a Match of the Day Pundit at the end of the season.Wright, who first appeared on the show back in 1997, broke the news of his exit on social media, explaining that the decision had ”been coming for a while”.
      Ian Wright pictured in April 2023
      Why has Ian Wright quit Match of the Day?
      In December 2023, Ian Wright announced that he will be leaving his Match of the Day role.
      A statement shared on social media by the Arsenal legend read: ”After my debut show whilst still a player in 1997 and many more memorable years, I’ll be stepping back from BBC MOTD at the end of this season.
      ”I feel very privileged to have had such an incredible run on the most iconic football show in the world.
      ”Anyone that knows my story knows how much the show has meant to me since I was young boy. MOTD is my Holy Grail.
      Read More on Ian Wright
      ”On my first ever show, I told Des Lynam, ‘This is my Graceland’. It will always be my Graceland and I will always be watching.”
      Wright added: ”I’m stepping back having made great friends and many great memories.
      ”This decision has been coming for a while, maybe my birthday earlier this year fast tracked it a little, but ultimately it’s time to do a few more different things with my Saturdays.
      ”I’m really looking forward to my last months on the show and covering what will hopefully be an amazing Premier League title race.”
      Most read in Football
      Following the announcement, head of BBC Sport content Philip Bernie said: ”Ian has been a wonderful star player on MOTD since his first appearance over 20 years ago.
      ”His insight, wit and warmth have richly entertained and informed all those watching him.
      ”We will miss his unique style and presence when he goes at the end of this season, but we will be sure to give him the send-off he deserves.”
      How long did Ian Wright work on Match of the Day for?
      As mentioned above, Ian Wright first appeared on the hit sports show back in 1997 – while he was still playing.
      However, it wasn’t until years later that the former footballer became a regular pundit.
      Wright hung up his boots and retired from playing in 2000, before becoming a familiar fixture on Match of the Day in 2002.
      His first stint lasted until 2008, before Wright once again returned for a second spell on the highlights show in 2015.
      Who else presents Match of the Day?
      Dubbed ”the world’s most famous football show”, Match of the Day brings viewers big names and big games from the Premier League.
      Prior to announcing his exit, Ian Wright became a regular on the programme alongside host Gary Lineker and fellow pundit Alan Shearer.
      Reacting to the news, an emotional Lineker said: “It has been an absolute pleasure and privilege to work alongside you, Ian. One of my favourite people on the planet. Farewell my friend.”
      Read more on The Sun
      And Shearer added: “See you in 3 hours. I’ll give you a big hug!!!”
      Following his statement, SunSport has taken a look at five pundits who could fill Wrighty’s boots on MOTD. More

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      Match of the Day praised for ‘perfect’ coverage after Luton captain Tom Lockyer’s cardiac arrest on pitch at Bournemouth

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      THE BBC have been praised for Match of the Day’s coverage of Tom Lockyer’s cardiac arrest on Saturday.Luton’s match against Bournemouth was abandoned in the 65th minute as their skipper Lockyer received treatment on the pitch.
      Tom Lockyer was treated on the pitch at BournemouthCredit: Getty
      Match of the Day have been praised for their handling of the incident
      The Hatters later confirmed that the 29-year-old was responsive as medics stretchered him off.
      He was then taken to hospital, where he remained in a stable condition.
      The match had been level at 1-1 when the incident occurred.
      Addressing what happened, Match of the Day opened the programme by quickly showing both goals from the match, while experienced host Gary Lineker explained what had happened.
      Read More Football Stories
      Lineker called it a “traumatic day in the Premier League”, before sending best wishes to Lockyer.
      He added: “It goes without saying that everyone here at Match of the Day sends their thoughts and best wishes to Tom, his family and anyone connected to Luton Town.”
      Many viewers were pleases with the tone that the programme struck in their sensitive handling of such a distressing event.
      One wrote on social media: “Watching Match of the Day, handled the Lockyer situation very well.”
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      While a second opined: “Beautifully done Match of the Day. Handled the Tom Lockyer situation with the utmost respect and decency. Quality broadcasting and decision-making like that at key moments is, and always should be, the BBC’s role. A careful balance of news and privacy in such a situation.”
      A third commented: “Great job by @BBCSport and Match Of The Day, the way they covered the Tom Lockyer situation at the start of the show.”
      And a fourth posted: “Hugely powerful start to Match Of The Day around the Tom Lockyer story. Really well handled – so sensitive.”
      Another added: “Match Of The Day have handled the Tom Lockyer situation perfectly there. Shown what they needed to, relayed what they needed to. Doesn’t need anything more obtrusive than that.”
      Luton boss Rob Edwards was also hailed for his quick thinking at the time of the incident.
      While the football world came together to wish Lockyer well.
      Lineker himself tweeted: “Reports coming in that Tom Lockyer is now alert and responsive. Thank heavens.”
      While John Terry wrote: “Praying for Tom Lockyer.”
      David de Gea posted: “Tom Lockyer 🙏🏼”.
      And Ashley Young added: “Thoughts and Prayers with Tom Lockyer and his family 🙏🏾”.
      Luton wrote in a statement: “We are able to provide a further, positive update on Tom Lockyer’s condition.
      “Our medical staff have confirmed that the Hatters captain suffered cardiac arrest on the pitch, but was responsive by the time he was taken off on the stretcher.
      “He received further treatment inside the stadium, for which we once again thank the medical teams from both sides.
      “Tom was transferred to hospital, where we can reassure supporters that he is stable and currently undergoing further tests with his family at his bedside.
      “We would like to thank everyone for their support, concern and loving messages for Locks.”
      Brentford and Luton are likely to replay the match in full at a later date.
      Read more on The Sun
      Premier League Rule L15 states that any match abandoned with the consent of the referee will be replayed, with the Board to confirm a date and kick-off time.
      And according to the Mail, the top flight is expected to stick to this protocol.
      Rob Edwards was hailed for his quick thinkingCredit: Rex More

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      Arsenal fans say ‘Arteta needs to show this tweet in the changing room’ after Ian Wright’s shock MOTD exit announcement

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      MIKEL ARTETA has been urged to use Ian Wright’s shock Match of The Day exit as extra motivation in the Premier League title race. The Arsenal legend, 60, first appeared on the hit TV show while still playing back in 1997.
      Ian Wright announced his shock Match of The Day exitCredit: PA
      And he has been a regular on the programme alongside host Gary Lineker and fellow pundit Alan Shearer since hanging up his boots.
      But the ex-England striker announced on social media that this will be his last season working on MOTD.
      In one emotional post, he wrote: “I’m really looking forward to my last months on the show and covering what will hopefully be an amazing Premier League title race.”
      Arsenal finished second last season to Manchester City and currently trail leaders Liverpool by a point.
      READ MORE ON IAN WRIGHT
      So winning their first league title could be the perfect way farewell present for Wright in fans’ eyes.
      One said: “Arteta needs to show this tweet in the changing room – do not let Wrighty leave MOTD without his last show being Arsenal winning the title.”
      Another added: “We have to win the league now for Ian Wright’s last show.”
      One followed up: “All the best Wrighty, gonna miss you, but if we win the league what a way it will be for you to sign off.”
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      Wright broke the news on Sunday, posting a statement that read: “After my debut show whilst still a player in 1997 and many more memorable years, I’ll be stepping back from BBC MOTD at the end of this season.
      “I feel very privileged to have had such an incredible run on the most iconic football show in the world.”
      “Anyone that knows my story knows how much the show has meant to me since I was young boy. MOTD is my Holy Grail.
      “On my first ever show, I told Des Lynam, ‘This is my Graceland’. It will always be my Graceland and I will always be watching.”
      Wright retired from playing in 2000 and began working as a regular pundit two years later and has enjoyed two spells on Match of the Day.
      The first was from 2002 until 2008 and then he returned in 2015. 
      Back in May this year, Wright also made history when he appeared alongside Shaun Wright-Phillips as they became the first father and son punditry team to appear on the show. More

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      Ian Wright reveals the moment he decided to leave Match of the Day in emotional statement

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      IAN WRIGHT has revealed the moment that “fast-tracked” his decision to step down from Match of the Day.The Arsenal legend, 60, announced this morning that he will be quitting the BBC show at the end of the season.
      Ian Wright has announced that he is stepping down from Match of the DayCredit: BBC
      Wright is part of the BBC’s top team with Gary Lineker and Alan ShearerCredit: BBC
      He first appeared on Match of the Day in 1997Credit: X/@BBCMOTD
      Wright first appeared on the show while still a player at Highbury in 1997, later returning for further stints between 2002-2008 and 2015 to the present.
      After announcing his decision on social media Wright, who turned 60 last month, wrote: “I’m stepping back having made great friends and many great memories.
      “This decision has been coming for a while, maybe my birthday earlier this year fast tracked it a little, but ultimately it’s time to do a few more different things with my Saturdays.”
      He then went on to add: “I feel very privileged to have had such an incredible run on the most iconic football show in the world.
      READ MORE ON IAN WRIGHT
      “Anyone that knows my story knows how much the show has meant to me since I was young boy. MOTD is my Holy Grail.
      “On my first ever show, I told Des Lynam, “This is my Graceland”. It will always be my Graceland and I will always be watching.”
      In recent years he has become part of Match of the Day’s top team alongside Alan Shearer, with host Gary Lineker.
      Last season he made history by appearing on the show with Shaun Wright-Phillips, with the duo becoming the first father-son combination in the show’s entire run.
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      Head of BBC Sport content Philip Bernie said: “Ian has been a wonderful star player on MOTD since his first appearance over 20 years ago.
      “His insight, wit and warmth have richly entertained and informed all those watching him.
      “We will miss his unique style and presence when he goes at the end of this season, but we will be sure to give him the send-off he deserves.”
      An emotional Lineker tweeted: “It has been an absolute pleasure and privilege to work alongside you, Ian. One of my favourite people on the planet. Farewell my friend.”
      And Shearer added: “See you in 3 hours. I’ll give you a big hug!!!”
      Piers Morgan wrote: “Congrats on a magnificent run, Legend.. and on quitting at the very top of your punditry game. We’ll miss your smart analysis, passion and mischievous laugh.”
      Wright appeared on Match of the Day alongside son Shaun Wright-PhillipsCredit: BBC
      Wright was also on MOTD between 2002 and 2008Credit: BBC More

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      Five pundits who could replace Ian Wright on Match of the Day including Premier League legend and his own son

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      IAN WRIGHT is leaving Match of the Day at the end of the season.The former Arsenal and England striker first appeared on the Premier League highlights show in 1997 while he was still a player.
      Ian Wright is leaving Match of the Day at the end of the seasonCredit: BBC
      And he has been a regular in recent years alongside Alan Shearer and host Gary Lineker.
      Wrighty, 60, confirmed his shock departure on social media and then shared a brilliant throwback clip from his debut.
      He said: “I feel very privileged to have had such an incredible run on the most iconic football show in the world.
      “Anyone that knows my story knows how much the show has meant to me since I was young boy. MOTD is my Holy Grail.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      “On my first ever show, I told Des Lynam, ‘This is my Graceland’. It will always be my Graceland and I will always be watching.”
      But with Wright quitting after the 2023-24 campaign which ends in May, who could join the team of pundits in the studio next year?
      DIDIER DROGBA
      Talk about replacing one big-name striker for another… Didier Drogba would be a major coup for the BBC.
      Two-time Golden Boot winner Drogba, 45, scored 104 Premier League goals in 254 appearances for Chelsea, winning four titles.
      Most read in Football
      He worked for the BBC as a pundit at the Qatar World Cup 2022 so knows what it takes and already has a working relationship with the team.
      Didier Drogba could be a big-name replacement for WrightCredit: BBC
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      RIO FERDINAND
      Like Drogba, Rio Ferdinand worked for the Beeb for the World Cup last year and is one of the top pundits around these days.
      He is TNT Sports’ main man for their Saturday lunchtime kick-offs and Champions League coverage so a deal would need to be struck – but Micah Richards has proven it is possible to be a pundit for multiple broadcasters.
      Ferdinand, 45, carries a wealth of expertise and insight both from a player and pundit perspective after six Premier League winner’s medals, a Champions League and 81 England caps.
      Rio Ferdinand has worked for the BBC for major international tournaments including the World CupCredit: BBC
      SHAUN WRIGHT-PHILLIPS
      They could keep it in the family by bringing in Shaun Wright-Phillips to take over from his dad Ian.
      The pair created history as the first father-and-son duo on the show back in May – the former Chelsea and Manchester City winger’s debut.
      Shaun, 42, was not afraid to give his old man a bit of banter and could be a suitable option after announcing his retirement in 2019.
      Shaun Wright-Phillips made his Match of the Day debut alongside his dadCredit: BBC
      FARA WILLIAMS
      Fara Williams has made a seamless transition from the stadium to the studio since hanging up her boots in 2021.
      The 172-cap England international boasts tremendous knowledge – representing her country more times than any other footballer in history, male or female.
      Williams, 39, demonstrated her ability to analyse the game during the Women’s World Cup and is part of the BBC’s WSL team with Alex Scott.
      Fara Williams, middle, is part of the BBC’s WSL coverage with Alex Scott and Ellen WhiteCredit: Getty
      JERMAIN DEFOE
      Jermain Defoe sure knows what is takes to perform in the Premier League after 162 goals in 496 games for West Ham, Tottenham, Portsmouth, Sunderland and Bournemouth before retiring in 2022 with 57 Three Lions caps to his name.
      Read more on The Sun
      He has stayed in football and is back working with Spurs as an academy coach with the Under-18s on top of punditry with Channel 4 for recent England matches as well as Premier League Productions.
      Defoe, 41, has done plenty of media work already with the BBC – including his own fly-on-the-wall Outside The Box documentary and the Football Firsts podcast with SunSport columnist Troy Deeney.
      Jermain Defoe is building experience in the media with various rolesCredit: Getty More