Joy Taylor: Transforming Sports Media and Championing Equality for Women
Written By: Jackie Rae
Joy Taylor isn't just a rising star in sports media—she's a game changer with a mission to transform the landscape for women in sports. In an era where female athletes are finally earning the spotlight they deserve, Taylor is using her platform to amplify the fight for equity and representation, not just on the field but behind the scenes.
Taylor's understanding of this uphill battle began long before she became a household name. After earning her Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Barry University in 2009, she broke into the industry through local radio, co-hosting Miami's Zaslow and Joy Show on 790 AM The Ticket. Her passion for sports took her from there to CBS Sports, where she worked on Fantasy Football Today and Thursday Night Live. Taylor's relentless drive and undeniable talent soon led her to the big leagues, joining FOX Sports in 2016.
But it's not just about the journey—it's about the impact. Taylor knows that exposure is the most powerful weapon in the fight for equity in sports. "There weren't a lot of women, particularly in the spaces that I wanted to go into," Taylor reflected, recalling her early career struggles. Without many female role models to follow, Taylor began to understand the importance of representation when Jemele Hill emerged as a prominent figure in the sports world. "I was able to say to a boss, hey, my ultimate goal is to be able to do what she's doing," Taylor said, underscoring the importance of visible female leadership.
Taylor's evolution within FOX Sports mirrors her broader goal of changing the game. She started with guest roles, filling in for Kristine Leahy on The Herd, before taking on the role of moderator for Skip and Shannon: Undisputed in 2016. Her influence grew, and by 2018, she became a staple on The Herd with Colin Cowherd. But it was in 2021 that she truly carved out a space of her own with The Joy Taylor Show, her own Saturday program on Fox Sports Radio.
Now, as co-host of FS1's Speak, Taylor's platform has never been larger—but it's what she's doing off-screen that truly sets her apart. She's not just determined to increase representation behind the camera, particularly in executive roles, but she's also actively creating opportunities. "The business still needs more representation behind the camera and in executive positions," Taylor pointed out, and she's leading by example. As the executive producer and co-host of Like A Girl on FuseTV, Taylor is not just telling stories; she's creating space for women athletes to take control of their own narratives.
Her mission with Like A Girl is clear: to provide a platform where female athletes can embody their sport and define their own stories. "To be able to tell these stories and to be as intentional as possible about how we tell them, and giving not just the platform and the voice, but really the equity to these athletes, is really, really important for us," Taylor told TMZ. For Taylor, it's not just about representation—it's about making sure that young girls, whether they dream of being on the court or in the boardroom, see themselves reflected in every role sports has to offer.
Taylor praised Fuse for its early commitment to women's sports, noting that they were "early to the game" in giving female athletes a platform. But now, she's making sure the game itself changes, ensuring that future generations of women won't face the same barriers she did.
With her combination of talent, determination, and vision, Joy Taylor isn't just adding to the conversation—she's redefining it. Through her work on-screen and behind the scenes, Taylor is ensuring that women in sports, whether athletes or executives, get the spotlight and the respect they've always deserved. And in doing so, she's helping create a future where the playing field is equal for all.