In this, New York Women in Communications’ 80^th year, we had the opportunity to speak with three members at different stages of their careers — all broadcast journalists, all actively engaged in communicating about the policies and issues that shape our lives.

Our interviewees are: Carol Jenkins, an Emmy Award-winning former news anchor and correspondent, and a founder and the current president of the Women’s Media Center; Adaora Udoji, former correspondent for CNN and ABC News and host on Court TV, who is currently the co-host of the public radio morning talk show, “The Takeaway”; and Denise Horn, a 2005 New York Women in Communications Foundation scholarship winner who is presently interning for ABC’s Senior Justice Correspondent Peter Thomas.

 

CJ: As a black woman I can’t really separate those two things. They are both the driving forces of my life and work. Despite our having elected a biracial president, racism is still very much with us [in broadcasting], and I don’t see this changing unless there is a major shift in media ownership in this country. My big hope is that women and people of color can come together as disenfranchised groups and cobble together enough money to buy media outlets.   

 

AU: The farther I have gotten in my career, the more racial bias and gender bias I feel I have faced. The higher up you go on the food chain, the more influence you are supposed to have on the ultimate product. But I have found that, as a woman and a minority, people don’t take you as seriously and will undermine you in all sorts of subtle ways. Not to say that this is intentional or purposeful, but there is this very low-lying expectation that somehow you are not quite as smart, not quite as accomplished, not quite as credible as your white male counterparts.

 

Ultimately, we don’t own these playgrounds [the media outlets]. If you own the playgrounds, you can demand respect from the other kids who are playing there…

 

DH: I try to see what I can bring to the table myself and don’t necessarily look at it from either a gender or a race perspective. Both issues are near and dear to my heart, but I realize that there are many more barriers facing women. As I watch evening news programs, none of the anchors look like me — most are older white men. And that’s when I realize that your work has to speak for itself and that you have to be the best you can be. 

CJ: Covering the story of Nelson Mandela’s release from prison after 27 years of incarceration was the defining moment of my journalism career. After that story, nothing has come close to being experienced as that important and revolutionary. 

 

 

DH:   I just completed an inspiring weekend with the Peter Jennings Project.  Its mission is to help both professional journalists and journalism students understand constitutional issues more deeply. I had the opportunity to learn from professionals such as ABC's Ann Compton and CNN's Jessica Yellin. 

 

 

CJ: When I started working in the ‘70s and did a brief stint at ABC, Eric Tate, an assignment editor and producer, said, “Carol, never let them second-guess you, because once that starts, you’re done for.” His advice has stayed with me to this day, and it’s as true now as it was then. When you start doubting your talent and your place, your strength is undermined. Many women have been challenged on their credibility, and more than likely the challenge is because they are not male and are a person of color.

 

AU: I get advice from my mentors. It’s critical to have them — people who you can go to, who can help you understand the politics and dynamics of the industry you are in and give you some basic tools on how to deal with these problems so that you are not eaten alive. Also, you must have a good group of friends both in and outside your industry, because sometimes you just need a different perspective. Your peers keep you sane. You are only as strong as the weakest link in your chain, and if you have a strong chain of colleagues and peers who can really relate to what you are going through, that’s invaluable. 

 

DH: I’ve gained a lot from my association with NYWICI. As a foundation scholarship winner, I know that NYWICI can be the stepping stone to a great career and into a network of women who want to help you achieve. I am only 21 years old, and I am on the same track that has been paved by great women journalists like Carol Jenkins and Adaora Udoji. I believe these great women, as well as the other members of NYWICI, through their advice and guidance, have passed the baton to me. And now I will have to pass the baton to younger women who will continue running this race.