WMC Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE: Women's Media Center Applauds NY Times'; First Female Executive Editor

Women's Media Center Applauds New York Times' Appointment of First Female Executive Editor, Jill Abramson

For Immediate Release

Press Contact: Yana Walton
yana@womensmediacenter.com or 212.563.0680 or 347.813.1323

New York: The Women's Media Center (WMC) applauds the decision to appoint Jill Abramson as the first female Executive Editor of the New York Times, taking over on September 6th.

According to a 2010 study by the American Society of News Editors, women working full-time in daily newspapers total about 15,200 or 36.62 percent. Minority women accounted for 16.3 percent of female newsroom staffers. Both percentages have declined about one percentage point since 2008. The Women’s Media Center hopes that this appointment will set the industry example in decreasing the gender gap found in print and online news outlets.

The gender gap increases when taking a look at management and major decision-makers in media: The recent “Global Report on the Status Women in the News Media” examined more than 500 companies in nearly 60 countries, and concluded that men occupy the vast majority of the management jobs and news-gathering positions in most nations. 73 percent of the top management jobs are occupied by men compared to 27 percent by women.

Julie Burton, President of the Women’s Media Center, says “We look forward to Ms. Abramson’s ability to open new doors for women by increasing the publication’s number of women journalists, editors, and new media professionals.  By prioritizing a balanced staff, women’s perspectives will be heard in one of the most respected news outlets in the world.”

Ms. Abramson, 57, said being named executive editor was “the honor of my life” and like “ascending to Valhalla” for someone who read The Times as a young girl growing up in New York. “We are held together by our passion for our work, our friendship and our deep belief in the mission and indispensability of The Times,” she said. “I look forward to working with all of you to seize our future. In this thrilling and challenging transition, we will cross to safety together.”

The Women’s Media Center looks forward to Ms. Abramson’s tenure and congratulates her on her new appointment.



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