It was a rainy March morning in California, COVID-19 was only just starting to shut down North America. During this time, I had the pleasure of speaking to Caroline Cameron of Rogers Sportsnet from her Toronto home. This is typically a big weekend for Caroline, an avid tennis fan, she would have been covering Indian Wells if it had not been canceled. Without hesitation, she immediately asked how I’m handling the situation.
Caroline is known for her amiable personality.
A charisma that has made her one of the most recognizable figures in Canadian Sports Television. A leadership role she has embraced even during a time when the future is uncertain.
“Were kind of being challenged to try and come up with content ideas or share even what we're doing at home. So that's something I need to kind of brainstorm and to do. It's weird because Sportsnet is kind of an escape for people and comforting on their stress and I'm just happy to be a part of that.”
With roots lied in tennis Caroline was a ball girl at 15 for the Rogers Cup, now at 30 she is one of Sportsnet’s premiere sportscasters hosting a national show regularly.
From Toronto, she grew up in its west end and followed her passion for journalism to Western University along with a joint media program at Fanshawe College in London, Ontario. There she interned for the local Rogers radio station - the Fan 590 - whereupon graduation she seamlessly transitioned to her television career.
“So in my final year of university, I went in for a few auditions and the timing just worked out I graduated on a Friday and I started at Sportsnet the next Monday. That was great because I was just doing sports updates every half hour for about nine hours and it was just great. It's just reps and comfort and building that confidence. So that was an invaluable time for me.”
Two years later she was moving to Vancouver. Rogers offered an opportunity of a lifetime, a position on the West Coast hosting Sportsnet with James Cybulski. At 24 years old she was becoming a national broadcaster and for someone who’s beaming with confidence you could never tell the transition may not have been so smooth for her.
“I remember being really anxious and I mean I was not yet 24, soon-to-be 24 at the time and I was just a little anxious to a move across the country where I didn't know anyone and also move into such a big national role because the thing is you're learning on the spot you're learning in front of everyone. So, I kind of doubted if I was ready. I mean frankly, I wasn't”
Despite her doubts, Caroline was ready and upon the shutdown of the Sportsnet Vancouver studio, Rogers was so impressed with her they brought her back to Toronto to continue hosting Sportsnet on the East Coast. Fast forward a few years later, and she has covered a seemingly endless number of events. The US Open, Wimbledon, The Rogers Cup, NHL All-Star game, Rogers coverage of the Olympics and today Hockey Central.
There's an undeniable charm about her; it’s a testament to her success. When the cameras are on she doesn’t put up a façade, she stays true to herself; serious when appropriate but will always enjoy a laugh.
“I like to think I'm really the same on camera as I am off, and I know it's cliché but it's just the easiest to be yourself and I'm very conversational. Yeah in a strange way, I think it's happened by not thinking about it too much.”
In an industry that can be ever so serious, she finds the joy in it. Understanding that sports bring people together and a lighthearted approach is a way to the viewer’s heart.
“I always think if I'm having fun at work, which I honestly do every day. Then at least one viewer is probably enjoying watching it. So, if you're comfortable and you're not putting on some TV voice or anything like that, then the viewer will feel more comfortable in a way. Yeah in a strange way, I think it's happened by not thinking about it too much.”
It’s the small things that matter when she’s calling a show. Her preparation behind the camera is one of the most fundamental parts of her nights. She needs to know details on almost every team and what the league’s top stories of that night are.
“I don't use any script and even sometimes with highlights. I'll just know who scored the goal and kind of call it live as I see it.”
While a skilled broadcaster Caroline’s skill isn’t limited to in-studio work. She has a background as a reporter and getting out of the studio is one of the more refreshing qualities about her job.
Last year’s tennis season may be one of the best representations of the devotion to her craft. Bianca Andreescu was taking the tennis world by storm in the summer of 2019. Winning numerous tournaments she was making Canada proud and right by her side was Caroline.
Being able to handle studio work in addition to fieldwork is exactly what her education prepared her for. Those skills have always been with her and this was demonstrated even before she graduated.
“One of my favorite interviews actually happened when I was in university and I would put him at about 80 years old. His name was Jerry Boss and he was the longtime speed skating coach of an Olympic Legend Christine Nesbitt and this was at the 2010 games and I went over to this kind of small house in London, Ontario. I interviewed him while we were watching some of the races and he just showed me around and showed me all of the memorabilia he’s collected. I think that was one of my favorite ones because you interview so many famous well-to-do people which is cool. But it was nice just kind of speaking to this man whose life was speed skating and there he was. One of the biggest reasons for Canadian success and he was just sitting at home watching.”
In the 8 years that Caroline has been at Sportsnet, her role has only grown with each passing year. A big credit to that is the team mentality that the crew at Sporsnet have developed. They aren’t just coworkers, they’re friends.
“I work with Colby Armstrong. He's great. I loved working with Doug McClain, Carly Agro. Even now my coworkers we've all been checking in on each other and calling each other just like you would with your good friends. I think that just speaks to it and tons of behind the scenes people. The way I see it, I started Sportsnet when I was 22 a lot of these people have known me for years. In a way, they kind of have seen me and helped me grow up in the industry. So that's kind of what makes it special and unique.”
Despite all the pressure behind her, she recognizes her success and understands that it can be used for the greater good. She understands how fortunate she is and uses this success to impact those of the less fortunate
“I don't naturally like attention, but this job can give you a platform to like raise awareness for charities that are near and dear to your heart. So that's where it's nice having that reach. I've been a Kid-Sport Ambassador for many years since I was in Vancouver, which helped give money to kids who their families can't afford organized sports. So I helped out with them and doing other events and just being able to kind of go and host events for sick kids or and things like that. It's just kind of nice to get back.”
As sports have halted in early 2020 it’s nice to reflect upon some of the people that have made sports so memorable for the viewer, and Caroline Cameron is instrumental to that. The spotlight is growing for her. At 30 she has already accomplished so much as a broadcaster and she’s only going to get better.
Written by: Will Shelleau, April 8, 2020
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