Ashlee Tulloch
Freelance Broadcast and Media Professional
Bachelor of Communication Studies in Radio
The energy at the Olympics is both electric and addictive, says communication studies alumna Ashlee Tulloch whose broadcasting career has seen her working for organisations like olympics.com, the Olympic Channel, FIFA, SAIL GP and NZ Rugby.
“Emotions at the Olympics are high, and rightly so; after all it’s the greatest show on earth. For most athletes it’s the pinnacle of their sporting career – but this could also be said for the thousands of people working at the Games in different capacities too. For me, it’s a privilege to share athletes’ journeys and shed a light on important topics. Paris 2024 will be my eighth Olympic event, having covered Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, Beijing 2022 and four Youth Olympic Games. I got my first taste of the Olympic world in 2014 through an IOC Young Reporter scholarship at the Youth Olympic Games. It changed the trajectory of my career and life.
“As part of the Olympic Channel team I’ve been fortunate to interview hundreds of athletes, host daily live shows and Instagram lives, create vlogs, articles, podcasts and much more. It’s an immense privilege to tell someone’s story and it’s a responsibility I never take for granted. There have been many memorable moments, from teaching Usain Bolt to hongi to getting frostbite in my fingers at -32 the bottom of the halfpipe, or landing in Rio in the cockpit with tennis icon Rafael Nadal. Having phenomenally talented and fun colleagues to work with always makes the Games more memorable too.”
She says her biggest highlight though has been watching Lisa Carrington compete.
“I’ve been fortunate to know Lisa a long time and call her a dear friend, so seeing her win gold and defend her K1 200m title at Rio 2016 was one of the happiest days of my life. Then to see her win three gold at Tokyo 2020, after the Games had been delayed by COVID-19 and were held with no spectators, was magical.”
A passion for broadcasting
Ashlee – who graduated from AUT with a Bachelor of Communication Studies in 2010 – says her love for broadcasting and reporting started at an early age.
“I started voicing ads at 1XX, the local radio station in Whakatāne, when I was nine and that gave me the bug for broadcasting. From a young age I felt passionate about pursuing a career in sports reporting. When I finished school, I decided to come to AUT as I felt it was the best place to help me get there. AUT was also appealing because I thought being in Auckland would help with networking and job opportunities after graduating.”
This turned out to be the right decision, and she still has many fond memories of her time at AUT.
“I loved meeting so many different people from all around the country. The degree attracts a wide variety of creative minds and helped me create a broad network of lifelong friends and contacts. Beyond the fun we had, the connections made throughout my degree have been incredibly useful over my career. I also love that the programme allows you to try many different areas and then hone your craft as you progress through your degree. It gave me the tools to be a well-rounded communicator, and made it possible to transition to television as a sports reporter two months after graduating, despite majoring in radio.
“Matt Mollgaard was a lecturer who was instrumental in my AUT degree and career. He is a phenomenal lecturer and mentor who fosters a dynamic learning environment. Matt supported my ambitions, and pushed me to be better and daring. He is also incredibly well connected within the New Zealand media industry and through him I was able to meet many key people.”
A dream fulfilled
Ashlee’s teenage self would be extremely proud of where she is today.
“15-year-old Ashlee had a vision to become a sports reporter, and I’m proud that I’ve been able to fulfill that dream and then experience far more than I ever imagined. Travelling the globe and telling the stories of the world’s most elite athletes is the greatest honour. I still pinch myself that I get paid to do what I do.”
She has some great advice for other students who are still trying to figure out what their future could look like after university.
“My advice is to enjoy yourself and make the most of the university environment and the people around you. Building friendships, making contacts and creating a strong network while you’re at AUT will be both rewarding for life, and useful for your career.”
