How long have you been working in sports broadcasting?

Tara Slone: I got into broadcasting in 2007 after many years as a touring musician with my band, Joydrop. Hockey became my full-time job in 2014, when Rogers Hometown Hockey was launched.

When did you first make the decision to get into this line of work? What drove you to do so?

TS: I always loved hockey, so when my broadcast career started to take off, I deliberately steered myself towards that space. 

Can you tell me about the mentors, coaches and champions you've had in your corner as you've progressed in your career? Can you talk about their importance?

TS: Christine Simpson has been both a role model and a dear friend. She is an absolute trailblazer, who is also a champion of women. I also have to credit Ron MacLean, my co-host on Hometown Hockey. It is impossible not to be in awe of him as a broadcaster; I just hope I learned something from him too! I have also had incredible producers who have supported my career growth over the years: Ali Redmond, Paul Schmidt, Sean Maddison to name a few. Sometimes you need someone in your corner who sees your potential, maybe even more than you do. That’s what these great humans have done for me.

Is there an action, decision or achievement you're most proud of?

TS: In general, I am extremely proud of how Hometown Hockey was able to shine a light on so many great communities and people across the country. But even within that, I am proud of the way our entire crew, both from the TV production side and the on-site activation side, was willing to learn from our First Nations hosts across Canada. It was a real education for all of us, and our lives were enriched by the experience.

I am also proud that (as far as I know) Hometown Hockey was the first national broadcast to give a Land Acknowledgment before every show.

What are your thoughts on how the media currently covers women’s sports?

TS: Things are improving, and I would say 2024 was a bit of a tipping point. Even 5 years ago we wouldn’t see WNBA or NWSL highlights on the sports channels, and now they are the norm, along with the PWHL. But of course, we have a long way to go, and I really worry about how the anti DEI sentiment in the US will affect equity in coverage.

With your job, sometimes the access viewers and fans have with you can be very rewarding but also very damaging; how do you take care of yourself?

TS: I tell every young woman who wants to talk to me about my career path to build a support system, and especially nurture relationships with women in the industry. Having people to talk to and lean on has been an absolutely critical part of my self care. That and I make sure I take breaks, especially from social media.

In your words, why is it so important to have diverse voices and viewpoints in media? 

TS: Seeing people from different backgrounds, cultures, and identities in media helps individuals feel seen, heard, and valued. We live in a diverse and wonderful society, and I believe the everyone should be able to see themselves reflected in some way.

Has your view of what Women’s history means now, compared to what it meant in the past, changed? 

TS: We can no longer take any of our rights for granted (which is FUCKED) nor can we assume that we are not going to regress as a society. So as women’s rights continue to erode in North America, understanding women’s history is more important than ever.

What advice would you give to your younger self when you first started? 

TS: Trust yourself - your authenticity is your superpower.

What’s the best part of your job?

TS: Connecting with people, making them feel comfortable enough to open up and tell their story.

What does being a woman here in Canada mean to you?

TS: I know how incredibly fortunate we are to be in this country, when women are silenced in so many other parts of the world. I feel so lucky to live in a place where we can use our voices without fear of political repercussion. And I know we will fight like hell to make sure it remains that way!