Welcome to Quick Q – Monday Media’s weekly Q&A series dedicated to finding out more about the personalities that matter most in the media landscape.
Every week, The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age asks key figures across corporate media, business, sport, federal politics, radio, television and culture to answer questions about their lives, careers, hobbies and news habits.
This week’s conversation is with Alison Mitchell, ABC Grandstand and Channel Seven cricket commentator.
Channel Seven and ABC cricket commentator Alison Mitchell.
How did you get your big break?
My first ball-by-ball international commentary happened by accident when it became apparent that Pakistan were about to be knocked out of the 2007 World Cup by Ireland, in what was the biggest upset the World Cup had ever seen. I was there as a solo broadcaster for the BBC, expecting to do updates on a routine win for Pakistan, when I suddenly had to call the climax of the match ball by ball as Ireland won. Pakistan were out, and the next morning their coach was found dead in his hotel room. Police launched a murder inquiry and I was in the thick of the story as a journalist.
What are your daily news media habits?
In the UK it’s BBC Radio 5Live or Radio 4 in the morning. In Aus, it’s ABC News Radio, Sunrise on Channel 7, and I love The Project on Ten for how accessible they make the news. I scan newspapers online and Twitter for sports news.
Which living person do you most admire?
Michelle Obama – I’ve recently listened to the audio book of Becoming.
Your guilty streaming pleasure?
No guilt involved – Schitt’s Creek on repeat!
Which phrase do you overuse?
“How’s the serenity…”
What did you want to do when you grew up?
Be a vet. I’m an animal lover. But then I realised I wasn’t strong at science. I loved sport and got a taste for broadcasting by doing work experience.
What was your first job?
Answering the phone lines and emptying the used tape bins for BBC Radio Northampton in the UK when I was 17. After uni, I was a runner for Channel 4 Cricket in the UK and fetched cappuccinos for Richie Benaud. In between, I did telemarketing for random trade magazines, like Farmers Weekly and Medical Device Technology – in German.
Facebook or Instagram?
Insta.
Recommend a podcast…
BBC Stumped. (Listen and you’ll know why, haha)
What’s one vice you wish you could give up?
I have no intention of giving up chocolate!
The song that’s always on high rotation?
Something Like Happiness, The Maccabees.
What are you reading?
Lean In, by Sheryl Sandberg.
Favourite movie of the past decade? Can I go recent? Top Gun: Maverick. Bloody loved the first movie and this just evoked great memories of watching the original over and over with my brother.
Top of your sporting bucket list?
To witness an AFL Grand Final live (and see Port Adelaide win).
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Believe that when one door closes, another one opens.
What are the three things you couldn’t live without?
Friends and family who have got your back. My guitars. Vegemite.
