PORT MORESBY (Papua New Guinea) – In an inspiring testament to the transformative power of sports journalism, Jamie Haro has emerged as a leading voice in Papua New Guinea’s sports media landscape. A sophomore journalism student at the University of Papua New Guinea, Haro never envisioned that her entry into the Post Courier newsroom would be the beginning of an exhilarating career that would eventually lead her to cover FIBA events across Oceania.
This year, she was selected for an internship through FIBA’s Women in News and Sport (WINS) program, facilitating her participation in the FIBA 3×3 Youth Nations League in Palau. Haro played a pivotal role in media operations and conducted interviews with some of the most talented basketball players in the Pacific—a journey she describes as “career-defining.”
Reflecting on her experiences, Haro shared, “This was my second time covering a FIBA event—the first was at the FIBA Oceania U17 Championship in Port Moresby, where I had the opportunity to commentate on basketball and sports in general.” Her enthusiasm and commitment to sports journalism have already garnered significant recognition, including various awards at the SP Sports Awards and the PNG Media Awards.
## A Journey from Law to Journalism
Interestingly, Haro’s path to sports journalism was not a direct one. Initially enrolled in a law program, her aspirations shifted to journalism during her university years. “Things took a turn when I made a tough decision to switch my interest from Law to Journalism just to get into a college, and the rest became history,” she explained.
Her lighting-hot passion for sports journalism was ignited by her background in sports—from playing touch rugby, netball, and athletics to nurturing an enduring love for rugby league and union. This foundation fueled her ambition to carve out a niche in sports media.
Haro has amassed diverse experience across various media platforms, including print, online, television, and radio, working with prominent outlets such as TVWAN and EMTV. Yet, entering the traditionally male-dominated realm of sports commentary proved to be a significant challenge. Faced with skepticism and criticism, she persisted and thrived, ultimately making her commentary debut during the FIBA U17 Oceania Cup in Port Moresby.
## The Challenge of Navigating Gender Norms
Haro acknowledges the hurdles female commentators face in the sports media industry. “Women have received criticism in this job; it’s already happened to me,” she said. “Many told me that this job is meant for men, and women should focus more on writing stories.” However, rather than deter her, these criticisms fueled her determination to succeed in what has historically been a male-dominated field.
Her recent stint in Palau marked a notable milestone, where she coordinated media interviews and showcased the personal stories of athletes. “Interacting with the athletes and getting to know them better was my favorite part,” she explained. Despite initial hesitance from some athletes, they became more approachable as her confidence shone through.
## Amplifying Women’s Voices in Sports
One of Haro’s objectives is to elevate the presence of female commentators in sports journalism in Oceania. “We need to have more female commentators in the region to help commentate women’s sports,” she stated. “Our inclusion in this space means we can do anything men do, and I am rooting to see more women move into sports journalism and commentary.”
For Haro, her career aspirations extend beyond individual success; she wants to pave the way for other women in sports media. By leading the charge, she believes that female sports journalists can help shape perceptions of women in sports and promote greater visibility for female athletes.
## Looking Forward: Future Aspirations
With multiple job offers now on her plate and a growing reputation throughout the Pacific, Haro is already mapping out her future. One of her dreams is to further refine her skills as a sports commentator and eventually cover major international competitions. “The 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau is my favorite moment in my career,” she shared, praising the connections she formed with athletes and fellow journalists.
Haro aims to explore the landscape of sports journalism across other Pacific Islands to understand its significance and impact. “I hope to be better in my craft as a sports commentator and to be able to provide commentary at big competitions in the future,” she expressed.
Her message to young women contemplating a career in sports media remains clear: “Sports journalism provides a lot of opportunities if you have a passion and heart for it. It can take you places.”
## Conclusion: A Trailblazer for Future Generations
Jamie Haro’s journey—from her first experiences in Port Moresby to her leadership role at a FIBA event—serves as a compelling example of the power of passion, resilience, and opportunity in sports journalism. A trailblazer for women in the field, she creates ripples across the region, effectively demonstrating that her presence—alongside other women—can reshape narratives in sports media.
Her mentorship at the FIBA 3×3 Youth Nations League – Oceania is further supported by initiatives like PacificAus Sports and the ABC International Development program, which emphasizes the importance of women in sports.
As Haro continues her ascent, she embodies the message that changing the landscape of sports journalism requires representation and dedication—an inspiring note to anyone looking to make their mark in the industry. The future is bright, and with voices like Jamie Haro echoing across the Pacific, the next generation of sports journalists is in capable hands.
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