Women in Journalism

Newsweek recently published an article titled, "Year of the Woman? Eight Jobs That Are Still Sexist." Among these careers was journalism, specifically print journalism. Although since 1977 more women have graduated in the field of journalism than men, men's bylines outnumber those of women 7 to 1. Women are even interviewed less than men.

This has led me to think about some of the great women journalists throughout our history, such as Ida Tarbell, Nellie Bly, Marguerite Higgins, and Ethel L. Payne. These women made significant contributions to a field dominated by men through investigative journalism, war correspondence, and political reporting.

Ida Tarbell brought down the Standard Oil Company. Nellie Bly, a pioneer in investigative journalism, covered issues concerning the poor and the disenfranchised. Marguerite Higgins interviewed world leaders and created a place of esteem for female war correspondents. Lastly, Ethel L Payne, the "First Lady of the Black Press," reported on the civil rights movements and military efforts during the Vietnam conflict.

But, this still leaves one unanswered question. Where does a young female journalist stand in a world that still favors men today?