Washington's NFL team hires Julie Donaldson to head broadcasting department and hire new play-by-play voice
Washington's battered NFL franchise – rocked last week by allegations of sexual harassment in the workplace – announced Tuesday afternoon that it has tapped local sports anchor Julie Donaldson to head its broadcasting department.
Donaldson, 42, departs her post with Washington's NBC affiliate to fill a void created last week with the abrupt “retirement” of Larry Michael, the team’s primary media voice. He allegedly made disparaging remarks about female staffers while heading the broadcasting and content department.
“It is with great humility and sincere appreciation that I accept this new role. This is a challenge I’ve been preparing and working towards for nearly 20 years in sports media, including the last decade in Washington. I am excited to join the organization as we begin a new era and I look forward to working with my new colleagues in making it stronger than ever. I also want to thank (owner) Dan (Snyder) and the Washington Organization for trusting me with this tremendous opportunity,” said Donaldson.
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Donaldson won’t replace Michael as the play-by-play voice for game day radio broadcasts, but she will become the highest-ranking female executive for an organization forced to confront its culture. She is expected to become the point-person for hiring the next play-by-play voice and will assume Michael's duties as host of team-produced programming. She will also have a role in the radio booth on game days.
Given the events of recent days, Snyder’s franchise – which is also undergoing a massive rebranding as it seeks a new nickname and logo – is apparently aiming to make a major statement as it tries to pick up the pieces.
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Follow Paste BN Sports NFL columnist Jarrett Bell on Twitter @JarrettBell
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