“Breaking News: Five of my Favorite Women in Journalism”
Image Courtesy: Rachel Lakso
Women in media and journalism throughout history, especially in today’s climate, have proven to be fearless, devoted, powerful and inspiring. In such a competitive industry still saturated by men, female journalists have shattered glass ceilings and broken barriers to make a name for themselves. Faced almost daily with gender bias, discrimination and harassment, these women still excel at their careers to provide us with incredible, well-written news that keeps the media world turning (and they look great doing it). As a student studying advertising and journalism, I have been inspired by several of these talented women, and I want to share with you five of my most influential favorites.
Lesley Stahl
A CBS News icon, otherwise known as “Grandma Badass” by her producer, Lesley Stahl is someone I grew up watching every Sunday evening on “60 Minutes.” From the beginnings of her career at a local Boston news station, to moderating “Face the Nation,” and to joining and breaking grounds at CBS News as the first woman to hold the position of White House Correspondent, Stahl has reported hundreds of stories that we have already read and that future generations will read in our history books. Her professionalism and dedication to journalism and telling honest news is admirable to me; we live in a media world where that is rare nowadays. One of the most defining moments of these characteristics in her career was her ability to remain calm while interviewing former President Trump for a segment during the 2020 election campaign in which he walked out abruptly only halfway through. At 79 years old, Stahl continues to excel during her career and hasn’t aged a bit.
Image Courtesy: People
Gayle King
A true queen, Gayle King has been inspirational to me not only in her career but in her attitude and the way she has navigated life. As current co-anchor of “CBS This Morning” and editor-at-large for “O, The Oprah Magazine” (she and Oprah are best friends!), King has worked her way to the top from her start at a local news station in Hartford, Connecticut thanks to her mindset and skills. In a recent podcast on The Skimm, King shared that her motto of “grow up and figure it out” has carried her throughout her career in media from early on. This advice can be applied to any situation, which is why it has stuck with me and helped me navigate both my academic and young professional life. She is all about authenticity, which shines through her reporting and personality. There is no one more authentic and real than Gayle King, I mean c’mon.
Image Courtesy: Tatler
Kaitlan Collins
At only 29 years old, Kaitlan Collins has already covered the 2016 elections as a White House Correspondent at “The Daily Caller” at the start of her career and currently serves as CNN’s youngest correspondent for the 2020 presidential campaign after joining the network. Going from such a right-winged organization to her current position at CNN proves her ability to report news in a non-biased manner, which is something rare to see in the media nowadays. She inspires me in that she has no fear to ask the tough questions – which is what got her banned from a Rose Garden event in 2018 after asking Trump questions surrounding the leaked Michael Cohen tapes. To see someone not too much older than me flourishing in the media industry gives hope that the future is bright for my generation, and it encourages me to always stand up for myself. She also makes professional wear look HOT with her sense of style.
Image Courtesy: Pinterest
Norah O’Donnell
Emmy award-winning journalist, and most-watched woman in news, Norah O’Donnell is another powerful female alpha I look forward to watching on the news every day as well. She exhibits utter confidence and grace in all of her storytelling. Her career has covered almost every Presidental campaign since 2000, spanning from her days at NBC to her current position at CBS, adding to her wisdom. She’s interviewed just about every figure in the media, traveled around the globe, all while being a mother of three and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Not only does O’Donnell motivate me to become a powerhouse like herself, but her storytelling of both the negative and positive stories she shares has helped me to understand the traumatic events in our world, while having a hope for a better future. She’s also an LGBTQ+ ally, which I love.
Image Courtesy: @norahodonnell on Instagram
Jovita Moore
Last, but certainly not least, Emmy award-winner Jovita Moore is a true example of strength, perseverance and dedication. Moore recently passed away in October after battling an aggressive form of brain cancer, and her Atlanta and nationwide legacy will be carried on forever. Having watched her from a young age on the local morning news before school every day, I had the privilege to see her updates and listen to the gripping ways she told the latest stories. She’s covered events from President Barack Obama’s 2009 inauguration to the 2016 Democratic National Convention, and she’s made Atlanta proud thoughout. One of the most admirable traits about her was her contagious giving spirit, as she frequently volunteered at events and taught her children about the power of giving, something that has been influential to me. She will be remembered for her beautiful presence and authenticity like no other. I will certainly miss her stunning Instagram selfies and seeing her shine every morning.
Image Courtesy: @jovitamoore on Instagram
Strike Out,
Writer: Rachel Lakso
Graphics: Rachel Lakso
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