For over 20 years, Tanya Arnold was a familiar face on BBC Yorkshire, covering major sporting events with a focus on rugby league. As the long-time host of The Super League Show, she was one of the few female sports presenters in a male-dominated industry.
Her in-depth knowledge, sharp analysis, and engaging presentation style made her a fan favorite.
But in early 2023, she surprised viewers by announcing her departure from the BBC. Why did she leave, and what’s next for her? Here’s everything we know.
Tanya’s Career Built on Passion for Sports
Tanya’s journey into sports journalism wasn’t just about reporting games, it was about a deep love for sports. She started her career in the late 1990s, covering football, particularly Leeds United’s European campaigns.
However, rugby league became her true passion, and she soon became one of the sport’s most respected journalists.
In 2012, she stepped into a major role, replacing the late Harry Gration as the presenter of The Super League Show. Over the years, she became a leading voice in rugby league coverage, offering expert insights and interviews with top players and coaches.
Her work not only brought the sport to a wider audience but also helped elevate women’s presence in sports media.
Why Did Tanya Arnold Leave the BBC?
In January 2023, Tanya Arnold announced on social media that she was leaving BBC Yorkshire after more than two decades. Her reason? She wanted to pursue a freelance career.
In her farewell message, she expressed gratitude for her time at the BBC, saying,
2023 is going to be a bit different for me. I’ve decided to leave @bbcyorkshire after many years as sports reporter. It’s been a privilege to do the job for so long and it’s given me many amazing opportunities. 1/2
While she didn’t cite a single reason for leaving, it’s clear that she wanted more flexibility in her career. Going freelance would allow her to focus on projects she’s passionate about especially promoting women’s sports.
Tanya’s Championing Women’s Sports
One of Tanya’s biggest goals after leaving the BBC was to give more visibility to women’s professional and elite sports.
She has always been a strong advocate for female athletes, and her move to freelance journalism gives her the freedom to dedicate more time to this cause.
Women’s sports have often been underrepresented in mainstream media, and Tanya has been vocal about changing that.
She wants to ensure female athletes get the recognition they deserve, and she’s now in a position to make that happen without the constraints of traditional broadcasting.
Tanya is Still a Leading Voice in Rugby League
Even though Tanya left the BBC, she hasn’t left rugby league behind. She continues to cover the sport in her freelance career, ensuring fans still get her expert insights.
Her dedication to rugby league remains strong, and she’s been involved in various projects that keep her close to the sport.
Many fans were relieved to know that she’s still active in rugby league journalism, proving that her passion for the game hasn’t faded.
Tanya’s New Role at Decibel Sports Management
Tanya’s post-BBC career took another exciting turn when she joined Decibel Sports Management, a Cheshire-based agency dedicated to supporting female athletes.
This role aligns perfectly with her advocacy for women’s sports, allowing her to directly influence and support female athletes’ careers.
At Decibel, she helps with media training, career guidance, and promotion, ensuring that women in sports get the attention and opportunities they deserve. It’s a natural extension of her journalism career and a chance to make an even bigger impact.
Tanya Breaking Barriers and Inspiring Future Journalists
Throughout her career, Tanya Arnold has broken barriers for women in sports journalism. She proved that expertise and dedication matter more than gender in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Her decision to go freelance wasn’t just about her own career, it was about pushing for change in the sports media industry. She continues to inspire young journalists, especially women, to follow their passion for sports reporting and not be afraid to challenge the status quo.
What’s Next for Tanya Arnold?
Tanya’s move to freelance work means she has the freedom to explore new projects, cover the sports she loves, and advocate for greater representation in media. Whether it’s through journalism, consulting, or mentoring female athletes, she’s making a lasting impact on the industry.
Fans who have followed her career can expect to see more of her in the future just in different ways. Whether she’s covering rugby league, working behind the scenes, or championing women’s sports, one thing is certain: Tanya Arnold isn’t slowing down anytime soon.