Where My Girls At? | Column By Courtney Lowery
Women in Journalism: A Discouraging Generation Gap
By Courtney Lowery, 9-12-06
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I can understand why I got the reaction I did at the Journalism and Women Symposium this weekend in Sun Valley. I was a young online journalism entrepreneur at a conference attended mostly by newspaper veterans, a conference with an entire panel devoted to whether or not to take a buyout. During the group picture, someone yelled, "Everyone say buyout!" and the flashes sparked.
I was the outsider - and quite possibly, the enemy. I got that loud and clear.
But I had hoped for better. I went looking for some womanly support, because whether or not anyone believed it could happen to such a relative novice, I too have seen glimpses of how hard it can be as a woman in journalism.
I've been hit on by sources, told "attagirl" by one of my reporters, and just this week had a freelancer sign off in an email with "thanks darlin.'" That kind of condescension I've become accustomed to. But not once, in all of my gatherings and professional duties, have I felt as insecure, small and disrespected than I did at a conference meant to support women in this business.
"What do you do?" the woman across the table from me at the Saturday dinner asked.
I told her I'm the managing editor of a startup online magazine about the Rocky Mountain West that I co-founded about a year and a half ago.
Exasperated, she marveled at the 25-year-old managing editors and 35-year-old publishers in the room (I was sitting next to another young woman who's the managing editor at AlterNet.org, and earlier in the day, Mi Ai Parrish, the new 35-year-old -- and very smart -- publisher of the Idaho Statesman, had given the lunch speech.)
Looking peeved, the woman at my dinner table went on. "You have to understand where we're coming from." Apparently speaking for herself and others at the event, she said they had been working their whole careers to get to management positions and it was hard to see young women moving into these spots.
I stopped her. This was after two days of being asked my age (I'm 26, by the way) and then waiting for the inevitable line about the person asking the question working for her paper longer than I'd been alive. Two days of comments about me not knowing anything about burnout or buyouts, and even comments about my not having to skimp at the dessert table. It was all getting to be a little much.
I had a different situation, I explained to the table. I'm the ME of a startup. There was no ladder climbing for me to do, only a huge amount -- and broad variety -- of work. (And if there is a ladder now -- a year and a half later -- it has about two rungs on it.) Not to diminish my success or hers, but it just wasn't fair to either of us to measure ourselves against each other.
And, for that matter, I too had worked in corporate journalism and I'd seen early on that it would take me decades to get where I wanted to be -- to make the difference I wanted to make. So, I took a chance and jumped at an opportunity to make my own destiny, and make my own journalism.
That is why I am where I am. It's not because I'm young, it's not because I'm cheap and it's not because I know what podcasts are. (By the way, all three do not go hand in hand, either.) I'm not glorifying my path. I have just as much respect for women choosing today to work in the traditional medium and, especially after this weekend, I see the need for a sense of community and support amongst ourselves -- no matter how we choose to deliver our messages.
There were rays of light at the conference. Several amazing, open, kind and inspiring women gave me just what I had hoped for: mentoring, support, advice and respect. But, those reactions were rare. It was the others that I took home with me. Whether it was because I was young or because I do my work online, the overwhelming reaction I got was one of contempt.
I got this from the generation of female journalists I'd looked up to. These were the women I emulated, the ones who taught me how to challenge a power structure and how to buck the trends and not give someone else the power to dictate my career. They were the ones who had blazed new territory for me and given me the knowledge and the confidence to do what I wanted and could do, not what someone else told me I could do.
And there I was, being scorned for doing exactly what they taught me to do all along.
I know it was just a few women and they don't speak for the gender, the generation, or the profession. Some division is always healthy in any group.
But, it's an indication of some unfortunate new divisions now forming in gender politics, age politics and now media politics.
It was a valuable lesson to learn, because now, maybe I can better equip myself to help bridge these divisions. I can make sure that when I hit my 25 or 30-years in journalism mark I'll be able to say I took chances -- on my own terms -- for the good of the profession and the good of my career.
And, I'll hope to help build up young women in journalism, regardless of their race, age, success, rank or medium.
Because no matter what platform, style or what tools we're using to report on important issues and educate our readers, doing this will always be important and we'll always need mentoring and support to remember that.
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Comments
Going into this field is especially daunting as a female, and its inspiring to see that others who share my values and ambitions have made it- and at a young age. Thank you for being a role model to those of us who are up and coming in the industry. And your mag is awesome-- I might even apply for an internship in the near future.
-Mackenzie
Luckily, the West seems to have a good, strong handful of similarly-minded someones like you, Courtney. Rock on.
-BR
By the way, what exactly is your definition of "making a difference?" I'm guessing it's not exactly championing conservative ideals. But, seriously, I would be interested in your answer as it seems to be a sort of anthem with young journalists.
On its face, "making a difference" seems antithetical in a profession that is supposedly founded on shining a strong light on facts. Am I wrong in thinking that there is a difference between journalism and editorial writing?
James: Nice to hear from you again. By "making a difference," I mean being able to bring attention and more depth to the issues here in the Rockies. And, whether you choose to believe it or not, those issues are not all political. (I'll once again point out several pieces I've done that showcase that -- including one you commented on and we had a favorable exchange a few months ago: Here and Here) But yes, I do have an agenda: I believe that we should be able to have an open, honest and civil conversation about these issues and that is precisely why we created New West the way we did. So, far, it's working out. Note that you are able to say whatever you please on these pages. You, as a reader, are involved, you have a voice and that, James, is part of the "difference."
I think in any profession, anyone trying to buck a new way is going to run into the kind of cattiness that you ran into at this conference regardless of sex or gender. Professionals are the worst sort of conservatives (except of course for the neo-cons. Where you should look for support is from the guys and gals out here. We're following NewWest closely. Good luck.
And keep on making a difference.
Best wishes,
Robert
"The job of the newspaper is to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable." -- Finley Peter Dunne
The worst journalism does exactly the opposite.
I think what you guys are doing is 1st class and hope you continue full-throttle!
On the other hand, how you have been treated is absolutely not fair. You are where you are because of talent, hard work and perhaps a little bit of luck -- being in the right place at the right time -- and you deserve every bit of your success. Don't let the cranky, stuck ones get to you.
And, I'll hope to help build up young women in journalism, regardless of their race, age, success, rank or medium.
I hope that you will also use your position to build up not just young women, but all women. In this transition from print to electronic media, we're all going to have to be flexible and open to learning new things if we're going to flourish. I've recently been teaching web design and other new technologies to a 50-something woman -- and I'm astounded how fast she's picking it up. I guess it just goes to show, smarts and willingness are more important than age, no matter which end of the spectrum you're on.
Oh, and James: In this age of deceptive advertising, infotainment and corporate influence on politics, "making a difference" and shining a light on facts are hardly antithetical.
Patia said it right: I guess it just goes to show, smarts and willingness are more important than age, no matter which end of the spectrum you're on.
Amen.
"You're a young pup."
"Oh, you're just a baby."
No animosity or jealousy, but it makes me feel very strange, and a bit of an outsider. Then my students call me 'professor'.
People like to think that everyone else in their field is much like them. It's comforting. When we discover that other people get where we are by an "easy path" or by a "shortcut", it feels threatening, or perhaps diminishes our efforts in some way.
As for journalism, I find myself a subscriber to Edward Abbey's view of a writer's role. All of us who take up the pen, or pound away at our keyboards, have an obligation to call out the wrongs that we bear witness too, and to speak for the voiceless against the corrupt and powerful. In a world where the truth is often obscured, to shine a light upon the truth is to truly make a difference.
Also hope you come to WAM, the Women, Action, & Media conference this coming spring; more your kind of girls, I think. Check it out at http://www.centerfornewwords.org/wam.html.
EJ
Thanks.. I just got turned onto WAM and it looks very promising.
I think I will try again at JAWS. As I said, this was only several women at JAWS, while many others were very supportive, very kind and VERY inspiring.
But, those several negative reactions, I thought, were worth mentioning because I do think they're indicative of the new divisions we need to bridge.
Thanks for the note, and the encouragement!
I got the same treatment from other photogs when I was 16 and shooting for a newspaper in Arizona....."I've got cameras older'n you, kid." "I've been shooting longer than you've been alive." yadayadayada
Welcome to the real world, kid.....respect doesn't come easily or quickly.
I'm sorry you had that reaction at JAWS. Journalism is a very competitive profession and women are not immune from that, sadly. I'm glad to know you did find some people who were encouraging. As in every part of life, you have to cultivate a group of people who can support and guide you, and nuture those relationships. Focus on them, and not on the naysayers, and use this time to learn. Lucky you to be at the beginning of your career at such an exciting time!
Until a few years ago, journalists either had to pick one of two paths: go up (meaning become an editor and climb the ranks) or go out (become a reporter.) Now the lines are blurred. Your job, and mine, combine elements of both. It's a new world and it's hard to know which paths to take, but hopefully you'll find some like-minded people who can help you sort it through. Good luck and don't give up on journalism or your sisters in it.
Having good mentors really does make a huge difference. People in management who are complaining about the young Turks ought to be cultivating them. If I didn't have such great bosses, I would probably do what you're doing.
By arguing that it's not fair to measure yourselves against each other because your situations are different, aren't you arguing that if the situations were the same her flabbergastedness would have been valid? What if your were HER managing editor? How many employees do you have that are 20 or 25 years your senior, and how do they feel working for someone half their age?
My point is simply that the whole issue is not "indicative of the new divisions we need to bridge." Ageism has and will always exist. It's self-defense. Once your younger peers are smarter and more creative than you, the only thing you have left is your experience. Our older peers want us to place a value on that experience, to have respect for that experience. It's not that we, as younger peers, don't value that experience, it's that we aren't going to let that lack of experience prevent us from competing in the marketplace and taking advantage of the bigger and better opportunities our generation has been afforded.
Perhaps you'd expect greater solidarity from your female peers given gender inequalities, and the purpose of the symposium, but this ageism is human nature. Human nature often trumps good intentions, yes?
Anyway, the woman at dinner asked you to understand where she is coming from? So, can you understand where she is coming from? And does that understanding help unlock the secrets to better equiping yourself to help bridge those divisions?
Cheers, enjoyed the column and the resulting conversation.
I'm not as young as you (just turned 40), but I recently got similar treatment at the Society Professional Journalists conference. I was presenting there about must-use online tools for journalists (See: http://snipurl.com/wdad). As I went around to the other sessions and talked to several longtime print journalists and editors, I took a fair amount of snide comments about how the internet is ruining journalism. And if I dared mention that I'm heavily involved with blogs and citizen journalism -- look out!
But, I'm glad to say, this stands in stark contrast to my longtime experience with anouther journalism group, the Society of Environmental Journalists (http://sej.org). I attend the SEJ conference nearly every year. While many SEJ members are old-guard press, most of them seem to appreciate what online media brings to journalism. And my tech workshops there are always well attended.
Similarly, I've been working with the Poynter Institute for quite a while (I currently edit the E-Media Tidbits blog) and I must say that the folks at Poynter are VERY clued in about the significance of online media. (And citizen journalism, for that matter.)
So I'm sorry you've had a bad experience. Rest assured, it's not uniform in this field.
Best,
- Amy Gahran
Whenever I am asked to sit on a committee or organize something, I only accept when I am the oldest, or nearly the oldest, person in the room. It's not that we elderly are no longer good for anything; it's that younger people have a lot to teach us. The world has changed; paradigms have shifted; the way consumers/readers make decisions is not as it was. It's the "that's the way we always done it" attitude among many people my age and older that is ignorant and regressive...not to mention ineffective.
When I meet a young person who wants to learn from me and my experience, I grab the chance to learn from them and their specialized knowledge which I may have missed, misunderstood, or dismissed. Had the women at Courtney's conference done that they would have been enriched by it, and her.
It was a pleasure to read your article and hear your insights. I can see both sides of the issue. On the one hand, I understand why you're upset. You're not some untested, ditzy schoolgirl who found a notebook and a pen and decided she could write; you're a smart, caring and insightful journalist who's embarked on a unique and revolutionary project.
But on the other hand, I see where the naysayers are coming from. All they can see is someone younger foisting some new-fangled on them, and they're sick of it. As the media landscape expands, some in the old guard see newer, younger people and ideas as a threat. Sometimes, it's valid. I'm only 28, but I've seen some people in my generation come through the doors of my small paper with nary a clue how the real world works, and how much effort is required to produce quality journalism. So I could see how people twice my age could immediately close their minds to something new, even though I think it's harmful to journalism as a whole.
I also don't think gender has anything to do with it. There are men in this business who resist change just hardily, if not more so, than the women.
To bridge the gap, I think it's important to remember that these veterans have something to offer us young pups with their experience, even if it's clouded by their snippy attitudes.
Interesting take, but I wouldn't take it personally, nor even consider the matter a statement about women or even you. I had a similar experience, having just written a piece about our daily in Cleveland -- the general "dinosaur slouches toward a death of its own making" thesis. I got the same reaction, nicely divided by age. Younger writers wrote to say they've believed this all along. Older guys were pissed, essentially throwing out the how-dare-you argument, that I was unworthy of "taking shots at the guys in the trenches," that kind of thing. General sentiment: I, the lesser species, had no right to comment on my betters, since I work for a city alt, and am therefore genetically inferior. I didn't take it personally. It just struck me as the same thing you hear from anyone employed in a dying business, like the steel or auto industries here in Cleveland. They made a good living as minor cogs in large institutions, believing these institutions would go on forever, regardless of the increasingly bad news. So when they one day wake up, finally discovering that they are very much screwed, they're pissed, and they're gonna lash at everyone and everything, including schmucks like me and you. (Victims rarely place self-assessment high on their to-do lists.) Part of the reason these large institutions are dying is because of their arrogance: they've long believed they held the one true way, whether their audience believed it or not. So they're not particularly happy that the lesser -- that would be me and you -- are somehow managing to survive. In their world, we were always irrelevent pissants. And it's a very cruel life indeed when the great are slain and the shitheads are spared. Or so the logic goes. My guess is they weren't acting like jerkoffs to you. They were dealing with what they believe you to represent: The surge of inferiority, overtaking all that is good and true and holy, which would be them.
Your final two sentences prove Courtney's points: they believed her to represent something without bothering to find out if it's true. That's pretty arrogant of them.
When women my age behave as they did to Courtney, I'm thinkin' they missed the point, which was to say, "Really? How interesting. Tell me about New West and how you work in your world. I'd like to know something new" which is what any good businessperson should have said. One would hope they were thinking, "If my business DOES go the way of the internet, here's a person who can teach me something and perhaps help me know about what my job might look like pretty soon."
Also, it's just plain POLITE, as in please-and-thank-you, to be interested in what other people have to say, and draw them out in conversation. Sheesh. You'd think they could at least have done that.
Go for it; you will never regret it!
I am among the women who has been in the business for close to 30 years and spent most of them in sports, so I know plenty about having to prove myself over and over to men. When I finally made it to a big paper 18 years ago, I was hired only because they needed a woman. I earned my coworkers respect and moved on.
After reading your story, I am wondering if there wasn't an unspoken resentment among the other women. Start-ups cost money and for a while don't make money. You still had to pay rent, eat, bills, etc. So I immediately wonder where you got the money and how you supported yourself. And all those other women may have been wondering the same thing.
I have friends who have family money. I don't resent them, but sometimes I wish I was them.
I think alot of what I got what indeed resentment but I'm not sure I got the the money thing.
As to your question, I was able to pay bills, rent, etc. during the startup because, Jonathan -- the founder and editor-in-chief -- hustled (and I say hustled, but that might be an understatement. Raising money is a brutal task, especially in the current environment) to get enough in investor funding at our launch to keep us up and running and enough to keep me in a living wage so I could devote all my time to New West. (Beyond that, I have two words for you: credit cards.)
I am the daughter of a farmer and second-grade teacher. We lost our farm about five years ago after 7 years of drought. Believe me, I have met young people who have family money and I am not one of them :)
But what I wonder is why you would accept and brood over such comments and be willing to tell the world about your wounding.
Personally, the reason I attend JAWS camp is to heal my (unwritten about) wounds, gain strength from other women who have been there and done that, reconnect with friends and make new ones. There have been times when my work situation had rendered me deranged and JAWS propped me up and got me going again.
Perhaps there are those who have a jaundiced eye for those who labor on the Internet. But many of us are embracing the technology, finding the instant news experience as heady as when we were "pups" chasing fire trucks, breaking news and yelling "Stop the presses!" (I actually got to do that once.)
Don't buy into misery of your own making. You have no idea what burden the woman who dissed you was carrying to the table. She didn't appreciate your brilliance? When you're rich and famous, she'll tell her friends that she dined with you at JAWS in 2006.
I had a very interesting experience with a group of middle-aged women at my first post-college newspaper gig (a hell rag known as The Pekin (Illinois) Daily Times). There were three of them, and they despised anything that even looked liked it may have gone to college. Too, each of them had recently gone through a divorce, and so sported a dreary "I hate men" chip on their shoulders. So, between my diploma and my 'sex,' I generated a tremendous amount of ill will with these women just by walking into the newsroom every morning. A group of us younger plebes dubbed them "the hens" - in deference to their relentless cackling and vicious pecking fits - and went about our business, secure in the knowledge that we'd be getting the hell out of that journalistic cess pool and onto something different, while our antagonists would be left to slop about in their self-pity and bitterness. And that's precisely what happened.
It's called 'life,' and a lot of it's bad and a bit of it's good. And it doesn't care one darned bit if you're a man or a woman.
As you know, newspapers, though populated with some brilliant and inspirational people, are becoming increasingly dominated by the bitter and resentful. They're bitter that they weren't offered buy outs. They're resentful that those who did or those who had the courage to quit are happier outside of the ever-shrinking world of newspapers. I'd say that the response you got at the conference, as discouraging as it may have been at the time, is surely a sign that you're doing something right. Good luck.
Courtney, you are spot on in your assessment of JAWS. A few years ago, I asked a co-worker (an early JAWS member) about the organization and how I could join. She looked me directly in the eye and said curtly, "it wouldn't be a good fit." For me or the organization, I asked. Neither, she said.
I was crushed, mostly because this woman was a pioneer in online journalism and I valued her insight. It caused me to do a bit of soul searching to try to understand if my work with diversity issues in our industry wasn't enough, or to see if there was more I could do to be "worthy" of a welcome from this group. At the end of the day I accepted it the incident as a one-off, an interpersonal thing.
This woman, btw, went on to hold an officer appointment in the organization. A couple of years ago, I went on the JAWS site and read various names of members and officers. With the exception of three women, the names I knew were the women who were the least supportive of other women, who did not mentor well and displayed various shades of threatened behavior in the newsroom.
I wonder how many opportunities to shine were lost by their lack of generosity and narrow thinking? Can you imagine how full and diverse JAWS could be if it were more inclusive to experiences and perspectives different from their own?
I've since done online writing, PR/marketing/media relations for various Internet firms and technology companies. Nothing may ever be as fun as journalism used to be, but nothing is as frustrating, either. Now, almost 7 years after leaving the newsroom for good, I'm flat-out embarrassed at what passes for "news" and find most of my news right where you are: online. I don't even subscribe to my old employer's paper anymore.
My advice: don't let yourself get stale. Accept new challenges, even the scary ones, or you'll get left behind and stuck. Keep your skills sharp and ignore people who suck the energy out of you (like the women at the conference) and seek out those who simply give you the kind of energy you need and want.
While most of this story is about the negative reactions I got at JAWS -- and thus the resulting comments reflect on those, I just wanted to reiterate again, that there were many women at the conference who did offer their support and respect. (And just as Jill suggested, said, "how interesting.." and asked questions and we were able to learn from each other.)
Further, since this was published, many more women and men have reached out to offer up commraderie, advice and stories of similar experiences. (Both online an off. I've been overwhelmed with the discussion this has started!) What I have to say to all of you is: Thank you, thank you -- not only for your kind words, but for proving me wrong about this being a widespread division.
I do very much agree -- as Erik suggests -- that those of us early in our careers have much to learn about the profession from our predecessors. My biggest point -- which is only strengthened by the comments here -- is this: Especially as we go into new territory, we need even more support to do good journalism and that support includes mentoring and passing wisdom down from generation to generation -- regardless of gender -- and from oldsters and newbies, no matter their ages.
And, from the notes and comments I've gotten so far yesterday and today, others see that need too and are willing from both ends (including mine), to meet in the middle.
This discussion is what I love about journalism and particularly this medium (as well as my current environment, which allows me a format like this): the ability to get people thinking and talking about important issues, sharing stories, giving advice and again, showing wisdom -- from whatever vantage point.
I'm still with a mainstream daily newspaper, albeit one ostensibly on the bleeding edge of blogging and citizen journalism, because I have kids now who continue to demand fripperies such as food and clothing. But were I younger and or childless (i.e., with more financial flexibility and less at stake in the event of a wrong choice), I'd've probably done what you did.
When I was your age, the Web hadn't been born yet and personal computers weren't routinely shipping with preinstalled video-editing software. As I have told my wife more than once, if they had, my life probably would have turned out very differently. (She, on the other hand, responds, "Yeah, you wouldn't have met me and your life would suck." Which is probably true.)
Don't let the b*stards get you down.
First off, it was not just one, it was several. I'm willing to give more examples if you'd like. None were as blatant as the exchange I reference here, but most defintely there were several occasions where my age was brought up and not often in a positive way.
And, you bet wrong. I actually went to present on multimedia and online journalism. But, as I said, I also went to network, to gain support, to learn and to hang out with a cool bunch of women. I did not go in planning to write anything and even afterward, was reluctant to write this piece. After two days, I couldn't get the reactions off my mind and I thought that it was worth writing about. I can say very honestly that this piece was not an easy one to write -- nor did I look for it.
Your post reinforces the general feeling one gains from interactions with JAWS members -- narrow minded, not generous in spirit and defensive.
KS, it would be more helpful for you and your fellow members to give this purposeful thought and self examination. Then, come back to this discussion with constructive questions.
Like Lex and the 22-year veteran who left the news business (come back and fight the good fight, BTW!) said, it might an age thing. Since I am also a veteran of this business, I invite KS and any other JAWS member to bring it -- I, for one, am more than happy to engage in this long overdue discussion.
And to echo EJ, come to WAM! The women are awesome, the topics diverse, and there's plenty of room for old-school media, citizen journalists and women of all ages.
I apologize for jumping to a conclusion. You can probably put me in with all the other middle-age women who have been at this for years and envy your youth, courage, and freedom. As I am sure you know, this is not a good time to be in the mainstream newspaper business. Everyone but upper management is working harder and longer, salary and benefits are not rising with the cost of living, and many of us remember how much we once loved our careers, and now they are just jobs. I embrace the online arm of the business, hopefully it will keep what we do alive.
Good luck with New West, you go girl! And when someone says something ignorant, remember: If it don't apply, let it fly!
- marcia
what ever double clutching, gear grinding you have to do to get your head meshed with your soul doesn't matter to me. I have read all of these people giving you advise or taking a misguided
shot or trying to give you a virtual hug or what ever good or bad side of you they are trying to get on and I'm sick of it.
this inner house back slapping or stabbing glee or grief is not why you are important to me.
here is a little peak for you into my head .
I check nw.n every day. More than once if there is something interesting cooking.
I get the what, where, and when with careful, concise, clarity.
you have proven to me over and over that you have a better search beam than I in passing a blinding light on relevant issues that are of use to me.
you have proven to me that your eyes are open, your brain is hard wired to the server, and your heart has a hold of the tiller.
I could care less if you are a man - woman - conservative - liberal
you have earned my respect and trust.
I'm a 56 year old married man with a family and a business and a passion for where I live and what I think. you help me with the last three.
I know why nw.n is important.
I read your article with interest.
I myself attended a WAM (Women, Action, Media) conference last year and felt just as unwelcome and misunderstood as you did at JAWS.
I have 15 years experience on a daily newspaper--at Gannett no less. At the WAM conference, there was much bashing of mainstream media. One Boston Globe presenter was apologetic of her own paper; another female Globe reporter was put in the position of having to defend her approach to journalism/feminism by workshop attendees. (If it's not the radical left feminism approach, it can't be the right way).
I stayed at my job as long as I did because I knew from feedback I received from readers that I was making a difference--I wrote about health, economic and racial disparities. I also stayed because I felt that if all the talented, caring journalists jump ship, mainstream journalism is doomed. And like it or not, daily newspapers--the fourth estate--are vital to our democracy; of that I am sure.
There is no question that print journalism is in trouble. I admire you for being a pioneer, taking an alternate route and working so hard. Young female journalists should be mentored and supported by experienced women journalists.
But you are 26. And from the point of view of any seasoned journalist, you have NOT paid your dues.
It is an extremely difficult time in history to be a print journalist. My hunch is that if other JAWS attendees were happier about their professional lives you would have received more tea and sympathy.
Best of luck,
Donna Jackel
Rochester, NY
I'm terribly sorry--I emailed you long, thoughtful email but butchered your first name.
My apologies,
Donna Jackel
You have to understand that most of us don't get the opportunity to talk about gender and generational issues, or the impact technology is having on our jobs. Most news organizations (newspapers, radio stations, internet shops) are pretty small. A lot of women who work in our industry think that their experiences are isolated because they are in a smaller market, only in print, in sports instead of features, etc. ...
I think that once we all start to understand that it's about the information and not the method of delivery, we can start to focus on what, when and how our audiences want to stay informed.
Although I thought I'd been prepring for a career in print journalism in the early 1960s, I kept finding closed doors there and open doors in broadcasting. Problem #1: Once a print editor/manager learned you'd EVER worked (or even considered working) in broadcasting, you were labeled a lightweight, unfit for print/hard news. Problem #2: So many people WANTED to work in broadcasting, the pay was horribly low. So, I ultimately ended up in PR/media relations, and ended up placing many, many column inches of stories and guest columns in minor AND MAJOR publications whose HR departments wouldn't have given me Interview One. I tell this story only to assure you that there have always been prejudices against professional niches, against females (especially those with children) and against those who appear to be young. And when the current prejudices begin to fade, new ones will emerge, I'm sure. One of the things stressed in my journalism training was the need for a thick skin -- probably thicker than I ever developed, but I have learned to periodically and silently chant, "Fuck 'em." Good for you and the trails you're blazing! -JFS
I read with interest your comments about your experience at WAM. I have been a print journalist for nearly 30 years -- and I can't believe it. That's a long time -- gosh, longer than you've been alive! ;-)
First, I have had, as did at least one other respondent, some negative dealings with WAM, in that the group was -- at least at one time -- an old girls' network that seemed to want to stay that way. I suspect that has changed, but some of its members haven't. Maybe those (few?) are the ones you met.
Next, I DO know where those women are coming from. We heard those same kinds of comments when we were starting out -- about being wet behind the ears. That we were girls. That we didn't have the experience to take on certain jobs. That last comment was made by potential employers who felt that we must pay our dues -- despite talent, background, portfolios, references about our skill and potential.
And there is a certain amount of resentment -- and envy -- that you were able to start out right there, bam, in the middle of the excitement -- a new medium, a new enterprise. Wow! It's because we regret that we didn't have -- or make -- those opportunities ourselves.
It's because we're nervous about the future of our industry and wonder (like they did when TV was coming on strong) if we were marked for extinction. And it's because we worked damn hard to get where we are, without a lot of support and often facing a lot of challenges and hostility ourselves ("What's a nice girl like you doing, asking questions like that? Does your mother approve of this?" Yes, I really got asked that.)
It's a lot less about YOU than it is about US. We're mulling the past, thinking, "Gosh, what mighta been ... you're so young!" And it was probably said artlessly and impolitely.
Some day, you're going to feel the shock of being one of the "seniors." It's a weird feeling. But for now, know that what you're doing is exciting, challenging, scary, adventurous, and most of all -- brave.
Forget about those comments. Those women were probably saying what they themselves had to listen to long ago. And even though I'm an old ink-stained wretch, there's really nothing to stop me from stepping bravely into your world. Next time you encounter comments like those at your dinner table, just reply:
"Come and join me! It's great!"
I'm a student of University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Nigeria. Because of this issue i'm carring out a research on women atttitude towards print journalism as a career.
Just accept it as a task ok!
Have a nice day
Ifeoma Odimegwu