SUZANNE SMITH- on being the only woman directing NFL games and a trailblazer in TV production

CBS Sports director Suzanne Smith is in a league of her own- the only woman at ANY network to direct NFL games. Smith joined CBS Sports in 1983, rising up the ranks of TV sports production, despite at the time, no road map for women. Smith shares how she’s advocated for herself while earning the respect of her colleagues. 

In this in-depth conversation, Smith discusses the importance of mentorship and how harboring a little bit of self-doubt made her better. She explains the balance of seeking out feedback and why there aren’t a lot of women YET, at the upper levels of production. 

Smith advocates for women supporting women, something she’s done for years with her Girls Nite production gatherings. She talks about the growing number of women entering production jobs and reveals how she cultivates togetherness on her CBS crew. Smith breaks down her prep leading up to NFL Sunday and reminisces on being a part of some full-circle NFL moments. 

The long-time CBS director offers tangible advice for young people breaking into sports media, during such uncertain times. She talks about the camaraderie of CBS’s all-women sports show, ‘We Need to Talk’ and the reason the show has staying power. 


To follow Suzanne on social media:
Twitter @girlsniteprod