Christina Unkel excels in CBS role as referee rules analyst

Christina Unkel has become the star of the show on CBS Sports and Paramount+’s soccer coverage.

Her manner of explaining referee decisions and interpretation of the laws of soccer has been the most effective on English-language television. Her presence on air has deepened our understanding of the rules. It allows the viewer to understand why referees make decisions. Others simply say whether a call was correct or not. 

Previously, Unkel worked a decorated career as a referee. That included stops in WPS and NWSL. She also served as a high-level referee and rules assessment panelist for both USSF and FIFA. After that, she pivoted to working in the media but also now works as president of Tampa Bay Sun, a new professional women’s team.

Back to the soccer coverage, her explanations and discussions of rules and interpretations of current directives are essential to CBS. They also benefited audiences when she worked for Fox during major tournaments.

“I see it as bridging the gap and actually explaining the education of the laws to viewers,” said Unkel.

Beginnings in media

Unkel had never worked in media before the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France. Still, FOX Sports had a producer who knew she might be available for the tournament. 

“In 2019 I knew I was going to be stepping off the (FIFA referees) panel. I didn’t think I’d enter the punditry world, but a producer that always came to the locker rooms took me kicking, dragging, and screaming to the 2019 Women’s World Cup for FOX Sports.” 

During the summer of 2019, FOX Sports aired both the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the CONCACAF Gold Cup. The latter was in the United States. Unkel was thrown into the fire as a rules expert during both tournaments. But her experience as a referee who worked high-profile games helped. She spent time meeting and getting to know both commentators and producers on the media side. 

“My first TV work was a World Cup then a Gold…

Source link : https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/christina-unkel-excels-in-cbs-role-as-referee-rules-analyst-20231212-WST-475521.html

Author : Kartik Krishnaiyer

Publish date : 2023-12-12 19:56:58

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