The history of women in newsrooms and journalism began in the 1890-s during a series of economic and social protests. Although this movement had made a huge improvement in men’s and women’s equal position, in the 1970-s female newscasters were still facing some challenges. For example, the two main barriers women had to demolish were entering US universities’ journalism programs and being recruited only as an apprentice. Materials and articles written by women were mostly relegated to a subcategory while men’s writings were addressed as a norm (Steiner). Therefore, such treatment to their diligence, effort, and writing discouraged women from choosing a career in journalism or news. However, female reporters developed strategies and ways of the breakdown of social stereotypes such as alternative media, class action suits against some sexist major newspapers and magazines. The idea of women “having it all”: a good husband, children, career, and family spread wide across the United States and encourages women to fight those challenges.
Marcy McGinnis is one of the most known figures in the world of women’s journalism for her strive for development, leadership, journalism, and equality. I admire her position about her idea of women in positions of authority and organizational change provision. McGinnis is a leader who encouraged people for innovation and modification in the established system. I appreciate her approach to work as she denies stability and supports constant evolution in the social and professional environment of journalism and broadcasting. From my point of view, however, she could encourage more women to take part in journalism and study this field, but she paid more attention to the inside part of broadcasting than the outside. Therefore, few women knew about the changes and opportunities a career as a reporter or a newscaster could bring to their lives.
Reference
Steiner, L. (n.d.). Gender and Journalism. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Communication.