Gail Rhodes

As a Professor of Practice in Cronkite’s Phoenix Sports Bureau, Gail Rhodes guides broadcast students in reporting, producing, and creating video content for diverse platforms. With over two decades of professional experience as a television reporter and anchor, Rhodes has built a distinguished career in the media industry. She spent the majority of her career in Chicago, reporting and anchoring for the Tribune Broadcasting Company, Fox Sports Network, Comcast Sports Network (as part of its launch team), and NBC Universal. She was the main sideline reporter for the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Cubs.

Since joining the Cronkite School in 2014, Rhodes has taught advanced television sports reporting, journalism ethics, and advanced issues in sports media. In May 2024, she earned her PhD from the Cronkite School, with her dissertation, “Dissenting Voices: Player Protests and the Paradox of the First Amendment,” exploring freedom of speech considerations in American sports stadiums.

Rhodes’ research focuses on broadcast news, sports media, and freedom of expression, employing qualitative methods to examine critical issues in these fields. Her extensive professional background and academic expertise make her a vital resource for students and a respected voice in the study of sports media and journalism.