Women Journos in Non-Traditional Media Share Their Stories

Media Matters: Women Journos Share Their Stories

Their stories were our stories. Chicago women journalists working in non-traditional media shared the good, bad and darn ugly parts of working in a world predominantly run by white males during a program on Oct. 15 at Grace Place. Moderated by Maudlyne Ihejirika (at right), other panelists included Shia Kapos, Monica Eng and Samantha Smylie. The Chicago League, a sponsor, was represented by executive V.P. Catherine Mardikes (second from right).

—Photo by Chris Ruys

Though women comprise 50 percent of American journalists, many drop out or change course at the 10- to 15-year mark, and it’s not why you think. Raising children is only part of it, according to author Kristin Gilger, a journalism professor who’s written a book on the topic. These women realize that the playing field in traditional media isn’t equal. They faced blatant sexism and harassment, all the while seeing their (mostly white) male counterparts get the best story assignments, make more money and get promotions. So they left to join a new breed of news publication that exists solely online.

Who are the women who have beaten the odds and are surviving, even thriving in this time of unparalleled change? Three experienced Chicago journalists recently shared their stories during a Saturday morning panel discussion themed “Media Matters: Chicago Women Journalists Working in Non-Traditional Media” held at Grace Place in Chicago’s South Loop.

They were Shia Kapos, Politico government reporter and author of its daily Illinois Playbook; Axios Chicago’s health and dining reporter Monica Eng, who also hosts a popular podcast; and Samantha Smylie, Chalkbeat Chicago’s state education reporter. Maudlyne Ihejirika, an award-winning reporter and columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times, moderated the discussion. The Chicago League was among several event sponsors.

What the women said they wanted were bosses who trust them enough to give them relatively free rein, and who pay a fair wage, are open to their story ideas and give them the flexibility to choose and quote diverse sources. They found it by working for an online news outlet.

The female journos have decision-making powers, a far cry from the “old days” when their mostly white male bosses called the shots. Shia recalled the demeaning encounters with white male editor who regularly hovered behind her in the newsroom as she made his edits to her stories.

Samantha, a first-generation college graduate, said she had experienced all the “isms,” including sexism, racism and ageism. She likes her job at Chalkbeat Chicago as a general assignment reporter but wanted to write more in-depth stories. They granted her request and made her the statewide education reporter. Her salary has doubled since she joined the nonprofit seven years ago.

In their relatively new positions, they have negotiated wages and benefits befitting their experience and skills. Monica said she asked for a substantial increase above the initial salary that Axios offered—and received it! It was the first time she got the salary she thought she deserved. Her bosses regularly inquire about her satisfaction on the job.

Shia emphasized the value of reporting to editors or managers who are female and minorities and believes they are more attuned to righting past wrongs against women and minority reporters. She recalled a time at a traditional media outlet where any male reporter whose wife had a baby got a raise while a woman reporter who gave birth was lucky to keep her beat.

“Politico is always trying to make sure everyone is treated equally,” she stated. Women who work for non-traditional media do seem to fare better, Maudlyne said, but she noted that challenges remain.

“We have a long way to go,” she said about women journalists no matter where they work or who they work for. “Question everything. That is the essence of journalism.” Or, as Albert Einstein allegedly put it, “The only foolish question is the one not asked.”

In addition to the League, other event sponsors were the American Association of University Women Chicago branch, the Working Women’s History Project, Ida’s Legacy, and the Vivian G. Harsh Society.