Stepping Stones: Getting involved in MotoGP with Dorna Sports’ media facilities executive Victoria Jaraíz

Capturing the spectacle – and the noise – of the race is a challenge that Dorna contends with on 19 circuits per season

As part of our Stepping Stones series, showcasing young female talent in sports broadcasting, we talk to Victoria Jaraíz, Dorna Sports’ media facilities executive, media rights Dorna Group. Jaraíz talks about the twists and turns of her career so far and of those to come.

What is your job role today and what do you love about it?

I am a media facilities executive at Dorna Sports, working on the MotoGP World Championship. What I like most about my job is the dynamism and the opportunity to travel and be in contact with many different people from all over the world.

What does your current job entail on a day-to-day basis?

My role as media facilities executive is to liaise with the various stakeholders of the MotoGP World Championship: broadcast partners, sponsors, teams, promoters… Supporting and managing the on-site and off-site production needs of these partners, as well as coordinating the technical facilities they may require. I also coordinate on-site broadcaster interviews with riders and manage the distribution of the MotoGP content catalogue, and I prepare and negotiate commercial agreements and coordinate content production.

Can you give us some top tips that really helped you get where you are today?

Victoria Jaraíz, Dorna Sports’ media facilities executive, has worked on both the Superbike World Championship and MotoGP

My advice to anyone interested in working in the industry is to be motivated, open to opportunities and interested in learning about everything, not just your own job, but be curious about what other people do, be willing to learn languages… you never know where you might end up!

Can you give us some tips on things not to do or to avoid when trying to get a role you really want?

My advice would be not to get discouraged if things don’t go your way at first because life has many twists and turns and often mistakes or things that you think are not good are actually opportunities to help you on your way.

What education helped you break into the sports broadcasting industry?

I have a degree in Advertising and Public Relations and an MSc in Corporate Communications.

How did you get your first job in sports broadcasting, what was the role, and when?

My first job in the industry was on the WorldSBK Championship, which also involved daily contact with the championship broadcasters and various partners, looking after their needs both on and off-site. It was a great learning experience and has been a big part of my journey to where I am now.

What happened next to get you where you are today?

After almost four years in the WorldSBK Championship, I moved to the MotoGP World Championship where I am currently working.

What are your career goals?

I don’t usually make long-term plans as life has many twists and turns, but what I would like to do is continue to enjoy my work as I do now, continue to develop my career in the industry, grow professionally and continue to travel and meet great people to learn from.

What would you say are the barriers to getting a job in the broadcast industry?

I think there are barriers, of course, as there are in many industries. Some of them may have to do with knowing what opportunities are out there and how to get to them. It’s an industry that can be difficult to break into if you don’t have any prior knowledge of it. However, I believe that with the right focus, effort and motivation you can overcome these barriers and find your own place to grow and develop your career.

What would you recommend to other people thinking of working in the broadcast industry?

My main recommendations would be to meet different people in the industry, keep up to date with current events and developments, and to be curious, open minded and motivated.