Changing The Face of The Invisible Majority

The news media is something we rely on for the broadcast of newsworthy occurrences that may affect us as civilians. Journalists, networks, and the entire country are held accountable for what we, as the audience, acknowledge regarding news. For this reason one would think that the news media is a fair one. One that is equal in all parts of the equation including gender and sexual preferences. This is where it is all wrong!

News media has become subversive when it comes to women and lesbians. They try not to display this to their viewers but throughout time is has become very evident. A great example of this would be “The Rise of Female Anchors”. Although Diane Sawyer and Katie Couric paid their dues and were well over -due for their national anchor recognition, they did not receive it till January 2010. According to the article by Alessandra Stanley, “when it comes to its female stars, the television news business favors “All About Eve” coups and annexations”. If the news media favors the overthrows of a seemingly humble woman who enters a new work field, with a love interest, and unfolds as a manipulative, conniving person (this is Eve’s character from “All About Eve””), then why did it take such a long time for Diane Sawyer (with decades of experience) to get the respect to be an anchor woman for a leading nationwide network? The same question can relate to Katie Couric.

Another great example of this understanding of women in the news media industry is Rachel Maddow. Rachel Maddow, an un-reluctant lesbian political anchor, is mainly the light of focus because of her sexual preferences and her physical presence. Her witty words and engaging factual discussions are not what the media emphasizes on. They constantly criticize her because she a lesbian who comes to work with a short bob and is not your typical “babe”.

Viewers analyze what exactly the news media is doing and for such reasons there are those who are doing something about it. Women In Media & News is “a national media analysis, education and advocacy group” for women and by women. The group was founded in 2001by Jennifer L. Pozner, a media journalist and critic. Their mission is to equally represent women in media by listening to the public and their interest along with making changes by “advocating for policy reform and structural changes”. Their program includes proper media analysis, media education, media outreach, and media reform. WIMN's outreach program is identified as WIMN's POWER, (Perspectives Of Women Expand Reporting) in which they work with media personnel such as journalists and producers, for the accurate exposure of women in the media. They do so by asking women in the media field to devote a compelling media piece, whether it is an aticle or a short film/documentary that broadcasts education among women in the media.

The WIMN is a successful and necessary alternative news media because of what it represents. Women in media are sadly the invisible majority. Women are accountable for a big percentage of the country’s population, yet women have become imperceptible in the media. WIMN are an established group with hopes of changing the face of the invisible majority.

You can find more information about WIMN at http://www.wimnonline.org/