Sports TV Awards 2021 Finalist: Campaign Against Online Hate by Sky Sports

Sky Sports, ​​Kick It Out, and BBC Sport united to stamp out online abuse, profanity, and hate directed towards sports talent

Credit: Sky Sports (2021)

Sky Sports, Kick It Out, and BBC Sport decided in 2020 that enough was enough when it came to online hate, after witnessing a strong upsurge in unpleasant posts towards sports talent. For their combined work, they have been shortlisted for the ‘SVG Europe Women Award for Diversity in Sports TV’ at the prestigious Sports TV Awards 2021.

To make its channels, websites, and social media platforms a safe place for comment and debate, free from abuse, profanity, and hate, Sky formed a partnership with Kick It Out, the organisation that has been at the forefront of the fight against racism and discrimination in football for over 27 years. As part of the partnership, Sky committed to provide Kick It Out with £3m in funding and make it easier for football fans to report incidents of discrimination through Sky’s editorial reach and platforms.

Building on that, Sky Sports and BBC Sport stars then united in a Hate Won’t Win video, featuring Gary Lineker, Gabby Logan, and Jamie Redknapp among other pundits. Sky Sports Managing Director Rob Webster said: “The collective influence of our two organisations coming together is a powerful moment to drive a change in behaviour online and show that hate won’t win. Sky Sports and BBC Sport reach a huge combined audience and our message is loud and clear – enough is enough.”

The winners of the SVG Europe Sports TV Awards 2021, sponsored by Canon, will be announced on Thursday 28 October at Chelsea F.C. during the Sport Production & Technology Summit 2021. Registration for both events is now open to members and sponsors here.