The media industry is filled with influential people who deliver stories and news, and among these are powerful women. For decades, women have been underrepresented in the media, despite their contribution to its development. Now, as the industry grows, more women are taking over high-ranking positions and using their platform to share news with media consumers. They let their voice be heard, and there have been several women in media who have used their platform to promote and advocate for a more representative industry.
In honor of International Women’s Day, here are five of my favorite women working in the media. These women have used their role in the media industry to share information in a creative and inspirational way. Ranging from sports news to crime stories, these ladies have outdone themselves and inspired many women to work hard and fight inequality in the media industry. They have inspired many girls, including myself, to pursue a career in media.
- Oprah Winfrey
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Oprah Winfrey has become one of the most influential women in America because of her multimedia success. Her show The Oprah Winfrey Show has set the bar high for other talk show hosts, and has been a huge success in television. Winfrey has also produced her own magazine and cable channel, so she has touched many areas of media. She has endured criticism through the years, but nothing held her back. Her story is inspirational to say the least. Winfrey is an ambitious woman, and television might not be the same without her.
- Barbara Walters
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Barbara Walters is one of the iconic faces of investigative journalism. She has interviewed world-renowned figures and looked into the truth of touchy subjects. From 20/20 to The Today Show, Walters has given the world exclusive content. Her interviewing skills are taught today in many journalism and media classes because she was able to capture her features in a way no other interviewer could. Even though she is now retired, her legacy will always live on.
- Ida B. Wells
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Ida B Wells was one of the leaders of the fight for civil rights, and she voiced her messages in writing as a journalist. She battled against racism and sexism and was one of the founders of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Her editorials and activism won her popularity, and she was the voice of many readers. It took courage to discuss these topics, but Wells did it effortlessly and courageously. She undoubtedly set the foundation for activist-based journalism.
- Shonda Rhimes
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What other television shows would we binge-watch without Shonda Rhimes? As a television producer and screenwriter, Rhymes has produced many popular series. It is well-known that Rhimes is the writer and producer of Grey’s Anatomy and How to Get Away With Murder, but there are several other shows that she has written. Among these are Scandal and the most recent popular Netflix series Bridgerton. She has inspired many to pursue a career in the entertainment industry, and without her, television dramas would not be the same.
- Maria Taylor
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Maria Taylor is a fellow bulldog and UGA alum! She graduated with a degree in Broadcast News and pursued her Masters in Business Administration here as well. She was a sports fanatic who played volleyball and basketball here. Her ambition and intelligence are just two of the many factors that helped her grow in sports journalism. Now, she is an analyst and host for ESPN and the SEC Network. Her legacy left on this school is inspiring to fellow students who want to pursue the same career.
Women do not always get the credit they deserve, especially in the media. It can be hard to take on a position like Chief Executive Officer or Editor In Chief when there will always be someone tearing them down. Despite the issues they have faced, women in media have always performed professionally and effortlessly in these positions. Though the list goes on, these are some of my favorite women who have reminded me everyday that I will thrive in the media and entertainment world.