Fadumo Olow is the Social Media Editor, Sport at The Telegraph. She specifically reports on Telegraph Women’s Sport (TWS) and is passionate about covering news and match-day coverage for women who are often underrepresented in the media.
Making a mark in journalism
Fadumo hadn’t worked full-time in news before – she was previously a youth worker – so it was a leap of faith and a bit of a gamble to take the role.
“I was more anxious and worried than anything and as a result, I read widely across sports coverage to get the best possible view of the industry. But similarly, with the Women’s Sports team at The Telegraph being the only dedicated team at a national newspaper, I knew there was plenty I didn’t know and needed to learn from my colleagues.”
TWS launched in March 2019, with a commitment to deliver unprecedented coverage of women’s sport across all platforms. The TWS manifesto outlined its key pledges which included increased editorial coverage of women’s sport, encouraging more female bylines and campaigning on key issues such as menstruation, and the gender data gap in sport.
Now, as a Social Media Editor, Fadumo’s role involves promoting and editing articles for social media use – ranging from video content to Twitter spaces to TikTok explainers about topics such as periods.
“Digital is the new age! News should be accessible to all and broken down into forms that all audiences can digest. Being a Social Media Editor allows me to do that.”
Outside of work, she volunteers a few hours a week at the youth centre where she was previously employed. She is also a football fan so spends her non-work time watching even more sport!
Highlighting women in sport
Fadumo knew she had made the right decision to move into sports at The Telegraph early on. Telegraph Women’s Sports (TWS) desk produces a monthly supplement, exclusively covering women’s sports content.
“When I first started, the supplement theme was #LGBTQ+. I was able to pull together a commission that meant a lot to me. Being part of someone sharing a story so personal, pitching it, and then making sure it got all the social love it needed was great! The chaos, end result, and online reaction reminded me of how important representation is on all levels and that storytelling has to involve people at its core. TWS definitely does that – so I was sold after a month!”
Fadumo enjoys the variety in her work, saying no two days are the same. And at The Telegraph, they walk the talk and have policies that really support women and other diverse groups. Fadumo works in a way that supports her career ambitions.
Telegraph Media Group supports inclusion and belonging at work through progressive policies and flexible work options.
Check out more of their inclusion and diversity efforts here.
A team that brings out your best
Fadumo shares that the support and training from her team has been a big benefit of her time so far at The Telegraph.
“I’m really honoured to work with some great colleagues who I’ve learned so much from. Despite being a social editor, there is so much opportunity to grow and learn. TWS Editor Anna Kessel is always on hand for support and provides me with opportunities to challenge my writing and editorial judgement.”
“Plus I quickly learned that despite being a self-proclaimed sports-nerd – there is loads that I don’t know. Colleagues are always on hand to answer any random sporting story. Women’s rugby reporter Fiona did laugh when I called a ‘try’ a ‘goal’ – so I still have some learning to do!”
At The Telegraph, they’re working together to bring news to the digital world in a way that engages young people, and Fadumo is excited about the journey. She appreciates all the opportunities that she is offered.
“[I’ve had] lots of extra opportunities like writing a front cover story, live blogging, and pitching stories. Editorial skills are encouraged.”
And she encourages others to take every chance to grow and learn that they can.
“Take every opportunity that comes your way, don’t be too afraid to pitch, and always ask for help if you don’t know.”
