Bonnie Bernstein: Motivational Journalist
Quick Facts:
- Highlights:
- Bonnie Bernstein is one of the most accomplished female sports broadcasters in history, bringing her experience and confidence from the spotlight to every stage she graces.
- Bonnie’s engaging presence and natural charisma make her a standout event host, setting the tone for memorable corporate events, galas, and conferences.
- With her background in interviewing top athletes, executives, and thought leaders, Bonnie is an expert at fostering collaboration, guiding discussions, and creating inclusive environments.
- Whether managing a live audience or virtual event, Bonnie brings the highest level of professionalism and poise to ensure seamless execution.
- Travels from: New York, NY
- **Fee range: On Request
Talent Services
Keynote Topics:
Team First: Compelling stories from the sidelines to inspire your workforce
What is the definition of a great leader? From Michael Jordan and Phil Jackson to Joe Torre and Derek Jeter to Bill Belichick and Tom Brady, Bonnie has covered some of the all-time greats in sport.
She shares her collection of stories from coaches and players about teamwork, communication and conquering obstacles, as well as on-the-job lessons gleaned from her days with ESPN and CBS Sports and as VP, Content and Brand Development, of Campus Insiders
Seizing Your Second Chance: Overcoming professional hurdles and personal crisis
Even in today’s world, there is public sentiment that women shouldn’t cover men’s sports. With 20 years invested in the industry, Bonnie has clearly proven the naysayers wrong!
In this presentation, she reflects on embracing skepticism as motivation to become one of the most accomplished women in sports broadcasting and tells her very personal story of the life-threatening illness that changed the course of her career and her priorities in life.
Additional Topic
My PhilosoP: A woman’s guide to achieving success in a man’s world
Glass ceilings are made to be shattered!
Hosting:
Event Host
As an event host, Bonnie Bernstein brings unmatched charisma and professionalism to the stage. With her background as an award-winning sports broadcaster, Bonnie has a unique ability to command attention and create a dynamic atmosphere.
She seamlessly blends energy, wit, and grace to ensure every event runs smoothly and keeps the audience engaged. Whether it’s a corporate gala, a charity fundraiser, or a major conference, Bonnie’s polished presence elevates the experience for attendees, making her a trusted choice for high-profile events.
Facilitator
In her role as a facilitator, Bonnie Bernstein excels at fostering collaboration and guiding productive discussions. Her years of experience moderating panels and conducting interviews with top athletes, executives, and thought leaders have honed her ability to ask insightful questions, navigate complex topics, and encourage meaningful participation.
Bonnie’s approachable demeanor and sharp communication skills ensure that every participant feels heard, helping organizations achieve their objectives while maintaining a positive and inclusive environment.
Moderator
As a seasoned moderator, Bonnie Bernstein is adept at steering conversations with poise and precision. Drawing from her extensive experience in journalism and broadcasting, she brings a deep understanding of how to manage diverse perspectives and keep discussions on track.
Whether leading panels on innovation, leadership, or industry-specific challenges, Bonnie’s thoughtful approach ensures that key messages are highlighted, debates remain engaging, and audience involvement is maximized. Her ability to balance professionalism with relatability makes her a standout choice for moderating panels and discussions of any scale.
Read Full Bio
Bonnie Bernstein is recognized by the American Sportscasters Association as one of the most accomplished female journalists in her field.
After spending 17 years covering some of the nations’ most prestigious sports events on-air for ESPN and CBS, she is now helping build a network both in front of and behind the camera.
Bernstein is the “face” and Vice President, Content and Brand Development, of Campus Insiders, a digital collaboration between IMG College, America`s premiere college sports marketing company, and Silver Chalice Ventures.
SCV is founded by Chicago White Sox and Bulls owner, Jerry Reinsdorf. Beginning in August, 2013, Bernstein will host a daily show during the college football season and NCAA Basketball Championship; her efforts elsewhere are focused on creating original programming for the network, developing the talent roster and securing corporate partners with the CI sales team.
Bonnie foray into the executive world comes after eight years with the ESPN family in a variety of roles. She hosted several high profile shows for “The Worldwide Leader,” including NFL Live, Outside the Lines, Jim Rome is Burning and First Take; seasoned her radio chops as host of New York Football Live on ESPN Radio in New York; canvassed the sidelines for Sunday Night Baseball and ESPN on ABC College Football; and continues to be a contributor for ESPN`s women`s platform, espnW.
Additionally, Bernstein is currently the lone female fill-in host for the nationally syndicated TV/radio program, The Dan Patrick Show.
Prior to her second run at “The Worldwide Leader in Sports,” Bernstein spent eight years at CBS, where she was the Lead Reporter for the NFL and the NCAA Men`s Basketball Championships.
Bonnie Bernstein contributed features for The NFL Today; hosted the NCAA Woman’s Gymnastics Championships as well as the Network`s Emmy-nominated anthology series, Championships of the NCAA; and anchored CBS` studio shows, SportsDesk and At the Half. Track and field, figure skating, and the U.S. Open Tennis Championships rounded out her assignments at the Network.
During Super Bowl XXXVIII, Bernstein became the first sideline reporter to serve as both a network TV (CBS) and network radio (Westwood One) correspondent on the same broadcast.
Bonnie Bernstein first joined ESPN in 1995 as its Chicago Bureau Chief, where she covered Michael Jordan and the Bulls` second historic “three-peat.” She also filed game reports and features for SportsCenter, Baseball Tonight, NFL Countdown and College GameDay.
In 1993, Bernstein made local television history at KRNV-TV in Reno, NV (NBC), as the “Biggest Little City`s” first-ever female weekday sports anchor. She began her television career at WMDT-TV (ABC) in Salisbury, MD, anchoring weekend news, and broke into broadcasting in radio as the News and Sports Director for WXJN-FM in Lewes, DE.
Outside of broadcasting, Bernstein is a passionate public health advocate. She is an Ambassador for ING KiDS Rock, a school-based youth fitness program, and Co-Chaired the Coalition supporting congressional passage of the National Foundation on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition, which raises private funds for childhood obesity initiatives.
Additionally, Bonnie Bernstein is the Co-National Spokesperson for the Coalition to Prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis. Since surviving near-fatal blood clots in 2006, she has canvassed the country promoting DVT education and awareness and helped influence federal DVT legislation and a “call to action” issued by the U.S. Surgeon General.
Numerous publications have documented Bernstein`s work, including The New York Times, USA Today, Sports Illustrated and TV Guide and lifestyle magazines such as Glamour, Self, Men`s Health and Celebrity Living. In 2010, she received Pop Warner`s “Female Achievement Award” for serving as a positive role model for kids.
Bonnie Bernstein has been named one of New York Moves Magazine`s “Power Women” and Jewish Women International has included her on its “Ten Women to Watch” list, an exclusive group selected from the United States, Canada and Israel for their professional achievements.
She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Maryland`s prestigious Merrill College of Journalism. Bonnie Bernstein currently serves on the College`s Board of Visitors as well as the Advisory Board for the Shirley Povich Center for Sports Journalism.
While at College Park, Bernstein was a four-time Academic All-America selection (gymnastics) and received the Thomas M. Fields Award for academic and athletic excellence.
Bernstein was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., and grew up in Howell, N.J. She presently resides in New York City.
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