Taylor Rooks: Emcee, Interviewer, and Host for Your Next Event
Emmy Award-nominated sports journalist TAYLOR ROOKS is an acclaimed interviewer whose probing questions give rise to some of today’s most pressing discussions beyond the game. Praised in a profile by the New York Times: “Taylor Rooks gets the interviews that go viral,” Rooks leverages her expertise in asking candid questions that lead to revelatory conversations as an emcee, interviewer, or host for your next event.
Sports Journalism: Getting to the Heart of It
Emmy Award-nominated sports journalist TAYLOR ROOKS is the Host and Executive Producer of Take It There With Taylor Rooks, her interview show for Bleacher Report, and a rising star in sports media. Known for probing questions give rise to some of today’s most pressing discussions beyond the game, Rooks shares anecdotes from broadcasting through historic NBA seasons and her perspective about how to ask the necessary questions that makes her one of the best interviewers in sports media, offering powerful takeaways for every audience.
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Taylor Rooks takes over Amazon Prime’s NBA Coverage as Primary Host
Renowned sportscaster TAYLOR ROOKS is taking over Amazon Prime’s NBA Coverage as Primary Host. While she will continue to cover Thursday Night Football select weeks, Rooks’ career move has excited fans as she “continues her ascent as one of the most popular and well-respected reporters in the NBA.”
Book Rooks today for a unique opportunity to see into the season ahead!
Taylor Rooks is featured in the Sports Illustrated's “100 Influential Black Women in Sports”
Acclaimed sports journalist TAYLOR ROOKS has been featured in the Sports Illustrated and Empower Onyx series “Elle-evate: 100 Influential Black Women in Sports.” Sharing a spot alongside icons such as Venus Williams and Cari Champion, Rooks has demonstrated that she is not only dominating sports media in the present, but will continue to do so for a long time to come. As Rooks says herself: “I’m just getting started.”
An inspiring profile explored her career journey, her motivations, and what makes her reporting so special: “In an industry where success is measured by access and exclusives, Rooks is applying pressure, without even trying.”
Taylor Rooks Emcees Illini Women’s Summit for 50th Anniversary of Title XI
Foremost sports broadcaster TAYLOR ROOKS emceed the Illini Women’s Summit for 50th Anniversary of Title XI, attended by hundreds of University of Illinois alumni and former athletes. Also an alum, Rooks' pioneering style of journalism serves as an inspiration and makes her an unparallel host for any event.
"I always wanted people to feel comfortable talking to me," Rooks expressed. "I've never been shy. I've never met a mic I didn't like. I've always known I wanted to be on camera telling these stories."
Watch Taylor Rooks in conversation with Advancement at Illinois >>
Taylor Rooks is an acclaimed sports journalist and interviewer whose probing questions give rise to some of today's most pressing discussions beyond the game. She hosts the Take It There With Taylor Rooks interview show for Bleacher Report, among other duties for Turner Sports. A New York Times profile of Taylor praised her for conducting some of the NBA's most impactful interviews during her two months living inside the NBA bubble during the COVID season. She is able to read the moment and the player to get at the emotions behind the game. Previously, she worked as a host, reporter, and correspondent for the Big Ten Network and as a sideline reporter for CBS Sports Network. A native of Georgia, Taylor attended the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, where she majored in broadcast journalism and reported on football and basketball recruiting for scout.com. She made national news with her stories and knowledge of basketball—specifically in recruiting. Rooks broke multiple stories regarding Cliff Alexander, Jalen Brunson, Quentin Snider, Aaron Jordan, Charles Matthews, and Jayson Tatum. Rooks comes from a family of athletes. Her father is former football player Thomas Rooks, while her uncle is legendary MLB Hall of Famer, Lou Brock. Taylor is also the niece of former Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints NFL player, Marv Woodson.
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