Hunting continuity errors: NEP Connect’s Jenny Woods on rising through the ranks

Jenny Woods, network operations centre (NOC) team leader at NEP Connect

Jenny Woods, network operations centre (NOC) team leader at NEP Connect, has long been a fan of broadcast. From not suspending her disbelief when watching family movies as a child and instead looking for continuity errors, she has risen through the ranks in sports broadcasting to juggle a team of 14 people in a constantly busy department. Read on to find out more.

How did you first find out about TV broadcasting as a career? What was your inspiration or idea, and why sports broadcasting?

From a young age, I watched TV and films with an inquisitive mind; finding continuity errors became a family game on movie nights. Once I started making my own short films at A-level, I knew I wanted to start a career in the technical side of TV and film.

I found a university course that covered a range of areas to help me choose my path. I naturally gravitated towards the gallery work and technical side of the course, which sparked my passion for live television. The fast-paced, high intensity nature of sports broadcasting drew me in and led me to where I am today.

What has been your career path within TV?

I studied Broadcast Techniques at Salford University, and with my degree in hand, I started knocking on the doors of the newly built Media City while working in an admin role.

“I have learned to trust myself and persevere through my own self-criticisms. I guess this comes from the old norms of sports and STEM jobs being predominantly male roles, which can hold women back from taking the first step into these types of roles, but this shouldn’t discourage anyone”

After a few years with no luck and more determination, I took the leap to move to London, where I joined Arqiva for Eurosport as a technical operator in MCR, ingest and transmission. This role gave me a solid understanding of all aspects of broadcast operations, but I found myself most drawn to MCR, particularly for the fault finding. It was a great opportunity to find my feet and learn more about the technical aspects, as well as grow to love the fast-paced procedures of sports broadcast.

After a few years with Arqiva, I moved to Discovery with the Eurosport contract as an MCR engineer. However, when COVID hit, I struggled being away from friends and family back in Manchester for so long. That led me to look for a career path closer to home, with a brief stint at DAZN before moving to NEP Connect in Media City as a network operations centre (NOC) Engineer.

Along the way, I have also had the privilege of working in distribution for the Olympic Broadcast Services on the Beijing Winter Games and Paris Summer Games.

NEP Connect’s Jenny Woods with a close friend at Paris 2024

Tell us about how you got your current role, and what the challenges are in doing it.

After being with NEP for only eighteen months, my managers encouraged me to apply for a team leader position in the NOC. As someone who doesn’t see themselves as a natural leader, I received some support from the team to embrace the opportunity and focus on becoming the kind of team leader I would want to work with.

The biggest challenge has been adapting to the different styles of management individuals need and stepping out of my comfort zone to support my team effectively. Juggling a team of 14 people while balancing admin tasks and more meetings has been a learning curve, but I enjoy the sense of achievement that comes from working through difficult issues and praising my team for their hard work.

It has given me the chance to collaborate closely with my team and different departments across the company and industry, broadening my experience and strengthening my skills as both a leader and a problem-solver.

Jenny Woods, NEP Connect team leader

What challenges have you faced over the course of your career?

I struggled breaking into the industry, having realised a lot of companies wanted both experience and a degree, making competition for a limited amount of jobs in the north of England even tougher.

It’s been a struggle to shake the imposter syndrome, feeling as though I’m not good enough or smart enough for the roles I’ve taken on. As a woman, I have also faced the challenge of overcoming the fear of being judged for being assertive or standing your ground.

However, with time and experience, I have learned to trust myself and persevere through my own self-criticisms. I guess this comes from the old norms of sports and STEM jobs being predominantly male roles, which can hold women back from taking the first step into these types of roles, but this shouldn’t discourage anyone. Times are changing and the more we push forward, the more we break down these barriers.

What’s the most challenging thing about working in live sport today?

It’s a challenge to find a good work-life balance as sports run 24/7, with big events normally falling on weekends and holidays. It helps when you have a great team in the same position to help you through the long hours.

What draws you to your career in live sport?

Working in this fast-paced environment is an exhilarating feeling. Once in a while, you actually realise that you’ve just been part of a huge sports broadcast with millions of viewers watching. That sense of accomplishment is unbeatable.

The technologies used in sports broadcasting have evolved rapidly over recent years. What for you in your day to day job is the most exciting, and also what is the biggest gamechanger for this industry overall?

The way people watch live sport has evolved and so has the technology. Streaming services have become popular, requiring less kit compared to traditional SNG deliveries. Cloud-based services will be a big gamechanger for both the broadcasters and viewers, and it will only get easier to implement.

What do you think has been a particularly exciting or cutting edge thing in sports broadcasting?

COVID really changed the way the industry now operates, with more remote productions and innovative solutions to keep sports running all around the world. From voiceovers at home to virtual projections of athletes for interviews, it’s incredible how the industry adapted so quickly.

What’s the coolest thing you’ve worked on in the course of your career?

The Olympics has been a huge highlight of my career. Being able to work with so many passionate, talented people from all over the world and forming lasting friendships has been incredible. It’s awe-inspiring to witness how fast the whole event is set up and so quickly taken down again on a massive scale.

What advice would you give to other women looking to move into a role in sports broadcasting like your own?

Believe in yourself! It’s easy to criticise yourself.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions or reach out to others in the industry. There are great organisations like Rise to find like-minded women who hold each other up.