The value of sideline reporters has never been higher. The right sideline reporter, that is.
What was once thought to be just icing on the cake of a sports broadcast — or a throwaway job given to ex-players — has become a driving force when it comes to ratings, and it’s being treated that way by networks.
One of the big musts for elite sideline reporters today is having a big presence on social media, and it’s not a stretch to say the link between their followers on social media and their popularity on broadcasts is a real thing.
Here’s a look at sideline reporters with the biggest Instagram followings from around the world.
Note: All numbers on follower counts are through Jan. 29, 2020.