Ithaca College graduate Jenna Malamud Kempner has turned early hands-on experience at the Roy H. Park School of Communications into a career producing sports content around some of the world’s biggest events and athletes.
Kempner, a 2018 graduate, is now lead producer for field and access content at Bleacher Report, where she has interviewed athletes including Tiger Woods, Eli Manning, Victor Wembanyama and Coco Gauff, according to a July 2 Ithaca College profile.
Kempner grew up on Long Island in a sports-focused family and arrived at Ithaca College with plans to become a sideline reporter. Her mother, Robin Malamud, a 1988 Ithaca College graduate, encouraged her to visit the college’s communications school.
Kempner became involved with ICTV after arriving on campus, building on-air and production experience. She later said the student television station also became central to her personal life, connecting her with friends and family, including her husband, James Kempner, also a 2018 graduate.
After graduation, Kempner pursued an opportunity at Bleacher Report, where she began as a highlight editor and clipper. She later moved into asset management before becoming an associate producer.
Her work has since taken her to major events including March Madness, the World Series, the French Open and the Super Bowl. In 2021, she spent three weeks covering March Madness in Indianapolis, where she learned to work closely with athletes and identify moments fans would want to see.
Kempner told the college that working as a woman in a male-dominated industry has required her to learn quickly and work hard. She said she also tries to support younger women entering sports media.
At Super Bowl LX, Kempner connected with Ithaca College students Rayahna Tryka and Molly Golden, who were covering the event as part of Radio Row through the Park School.
Kempner said she wants young women entering the field to feel seen and supported as they build their own careers.
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