The team formerly known as the Washington Redskins has been in an absolute state of upheaval lately. Finally on Tuesday, some of that change came as part of good news. Julie Donaldson has been named as Larry Michael’s replacement in the team’s radio booth.
Donaldson is an anchor on NBC Sports Washington. According to NBC Sports Washington, Donaldson will also fill a broadcast roles and will hold a senior-level position in the organization. She will oversee the hiring of a new play-by-play voice of the team.
Larry Michael abruptly announced his retirement last week after 16 years with the team. The timing was not a coincidence, as Michael’s name was among those mentioned in a report from the Washington Post highlighting the mistreatment of female employees and reporters by the Washington organization.
Hiring the first full-time female voice of an NFL franchise may be seen by some as a blatant PR play by the team. For Donaldson though, it is certainly an accomplishment and a challenge that her resume indicates she is ready for. She has hosted pre and postgame coverage of the Washington Wizards, has been a utility anchor for NBC Sports Washington, and covered three Olympic Games with NBC. Donaldson has also served as a national anchor on NBC Sports’s weekend broadcasts.
