In a significant stride for women’s sports and media representation, former England football stars Jill Scott and Karen Carney have partnered with Crowd Network to launch Long Story Short, a pioneering podcast owned and hosted by female athletes. This collaboration marks a transformative moment in sports media, offering authentic narratives from two of football’s most respected figures.
The Genesis of Long Story Short
A New Chapter in Sports Storytelling
Long Story Short emerges as a platform where Jill Scott and Karen Carney share personal anecdotes, behind-the-scenes experiences, and insights from their illustrious careers. With over 300 England caps combined, their weekly discussions promise a blend of humor, candor, and depth, resonating with fans and newcomers alike.
Empowering Female Voices in Media
Unlike many sports podcasts, Long Story Short is uniquely owned by its hosts. This ownership model, championed by Crowd Network, aims to provide athletes with control over their narratives, fostering opportunities beyond their playing days. As Louise Gwilliam, Talent Manager at Crowd, notes, this initiative is about “launching a business with them,” encompassing commercial partnerships, sponsorships, and live events.
Spotlight on the Hosts
Jill Scott MBE: From Midfield Maestro to Media Maven
Since retiring in 2022, Jill Scott has seamlessly transitioned into the media landscape. Her victory on I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! and role as a team captain on A League Of Their Own showcase her versatility and charisma. Additionally, her contributions to The Overlap’s Stick to Football podcast highlight her analytical prowess and engaging presence.
Karen Carney OBE: Tactical Insight and Advocacy
Karen Carney’s post-retirement journey reflects her commitment to advancing women’s football. As Chair of the 2022 “Future of Women’s Football Review” for the UK’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, she has been instrumental in shaping the sport’s future. Her roles as an ambassador for Visa and UEFA, and as a lead pundit on TNT Sports and ITV Sport, further underscore her influence and expertise.
Crowd Network’s Vision: Redefining Athlete Engagement
From Content Creation to Ownership
Crowd Network’s approach transcends traditional content creation. By offering athletes ownership stakes in their podcasts, the company fosters a sense of agency and long-term investment. This model not only benefits the athletes but also enriches the content with genuine perspectives and experiences.
Elevating Women’s Sports in the Media Landscape
The underrepresentation of women in sports media is a persistent issue. Gwilliam recalls scrolling through Spotify’s top sports podcasts and finding a female-hosted show only at number 29, co-hosted with a man. Crowd Network aims to change this narrative by actively investing in female-led content across various sports, including rugby and cycling.
The Chemistry Behind the Microphone
The dynamic between Scott and Carney is a cornerstone of Long Story Short. Their decades-long friendship translates into a natural rapport, balancing Scott’s vivacity with Carney’s incisive wit. This synergy promises listeners an engaging and relatable experience, blending football discussions with personal stories and humor.
Launch Details and Accessibility
The inaugural episode of Long Story Short is set to premiere on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. Listeners can access the podcast across all major streaming platforms, ensuring widespread availability for fans worldwide.
The Broader Impact: Paving the Way for Future Initiatives
Inspiring the Next Generation
By taking ownership of their narratives, Scott and Carney serve as role models for aspiring female athletes and media professionals. Their initiative underscores the importance of representation and empowerment in sports media.
A Catalyst for Industry Change
Long Story Short is more than a podcast; it’s a movement towards equitable representation in sports media. By demonstrating the viability and success of female-led, athlete-owned content, it sets a precedent for future endeavors in the industry.
Conclusion
Long Story Short stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of sports media, where authenticity, ownership, and representation take center stage. Through their podcast, Jill Scott and Karen Carney not only share their stories but also pave the way for a more inclusive and empowering future in sports storytelling.
