News Segment on Balancing Gender Perspectives in Journalism featuring Kristen Gilger
In the world of journalism, the journey for women has been marked by both progress and persistent challenges. Kristen Gilger, a Professor of Business Journalism at Arizona State's Cronkite School of Journalism, has been an advocate for change and a voice for women in the industry.
Gilger's advice to women in journalism is straightforward: act and make decisions, even when they don't have 100% of the information or are not 100% sure. She suggests that, when faced with indecisiveness and pressure, women should consult, gather information, and think about the situation before making a decision.
Unfortunately, women are dropping out of journalism at a higher rate after 10, 20, and 30 years in the profession. This trend is concerning, especially considering the progress that has been made in recent years.
In the 1980s, newsrooms were not particularly welcoming places for women. Tears were seen as weak, and women had to hide their feelings and be tough. These attitudes have persisted, as sexual harassment and inappropriate treatment of women in newsrooms still exist.
However, there has been significant change recently in the representation of women in top editing jobs at U.S. newspapers. According to Gilger, about 47% of these positions were held by women in 2020. This is a positive step towards achieving parity, but there is still a long way to go.
Pay inequities still exist in journalism after all these years. The Los Angeles Times recently settled a dispute over pay that showed women were making 30% less than men in the same positions. This is unacceptable and underscores the need for continued advocacy and action.
Despite these challenges, there are success stories. Women such as Amanda Zamora at the Poynter Institute and Emily Ramshaw, co-founder and CEO of The 19th*, have risen to leading positions in U.S. journalism and journalism research. Their careers highlight leadership in newsroom transformation, digital media growth, and championing underrepresented voices.
Gilger's book, "There's No Crying in the Newsroom," offers advice for women entering journalism or business journalism. The title originated from the movie A League of Their Own, where a character says "There's no crying in baseball." The book serves as a guide for women navigating the challenging landscape of journalism, providing practical advice and encouragement.
Gilger worked in newspapers for 20 years before joining ASU. She has seen firsthand the changes and challenges in the industry, and she remains optimistic about the future. However, she does not know how long it will take to achieve full parity for women in journalism.
One thing is clear: women should never feel alone when facing sexual harassment or inappropriate treatment in journalism. The power is in allies, both men and women who can be understanding and supportive. Together, we can continue to push for change and create a more inclusive and equitable journalism industry.
