"Why Journalism Has A Gender Problem"

by Corinne Segal

The journalism industry is severely lacking in leadership by women and racial minorities, according to the Nieman Reports story published Wednesday.

This year’s census by the American Society of News Editors (ASNE), which looked at diversity at print newspapers, shows women accounting for 35.4 percent of supervisors. This barely marks an increase from 1999, when women made up 33.8 percent of supervisors. Women run three out of the 25 biggest U.S. titles and one of the top 25 international titles. They make up 37.2 percent of overall newspaper employees, a whole three-tenths of a percent increase from 1999. Racial minorities fare even worse, comprising 13 percent of overall employees.

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Question
Use the article to answer the question.

In 3–5 sentences, write an objective summary of the article.

(4 points)

Short Answer Rubric (4 points)
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4
The answer is very clear.

The answer is fully supported by details.

There may be a few errors in grammar, usage, or mechanics. Errors do not interfere with meaning.

3
The answer is mostly clear.

The answer is supported by mostly relevant details.

There are a few errors in grammar, usage, or mechanics. Errors do not interfere with meaning.

2
The answer is somewhat clear.

Details are weak or not related.

There are some errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics. Errors interfere with meaning.

1
The answer is not clear.

There are few or no supporting details.

There are many errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics. Errors interfere with meaning.

0 The question is not answered.

1 answer

The article by Corinne Segal highlights the significant gender and racial disparities in leadership positions within the journalism industry. According to the American Society of News Editors' census, women hold only 35.4 percent of supervisory roles, a slight increase from 1999, while they account for 37.2 percent of overall newspaper employees. Additionally, leadership representation for women in major U.S. and international titles is notably low, with only three out of the 25 biggest U.S. newspapers being led by women. Racial minorities are even less represented, comprising only 13 percent of total employees in the industry.