C-SPAN airs university lecture on genre-founding women

Iowa State University announced the airing of assistant professor Tracy Lucht's lecture on the history of women in journalism last week. The class lecture aired last weekend on C-SPAN's "Lectures in American History."
Lucht's lecture focused on how women created new genres and broke down gender barriers in journalism. "Sob sisters" focused on women's issues and advice columns while "stunt reporters" attracted attention to their stories by participating in various stunts.
“This work influenced generations of women,” Lucht said. “While these women may not have been respected or were viewed as spectacles, they found a way to make their voices heard. They raised issues that weren’t being discussed and advocated for themselves, other women and marginalized people.”
Women have gradually taken a greater role in journalism since the late 19th century. By the 1930s, approximately 25 percent of journalists were women. Today, that number has risen to more than 36 percent.
“We have yet to achieve gender parity in journalism,” Lucht said. “Women make up about two-thirds of the student enrollment in journalism and mass communication programs around the country, yet still do not have equitable representation in the field—especially in upper-level positions.”
While the lecture aired on Jan. 7 on C-SPAN 3, it can still be viewed online at C-SPAN. It can also be accessed as a podcast here