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Seeing through the glass ceiling

Several prominent women working in television have spoken about shifts in acceptance in the media, particularly for older women.

Several prominent women working in television have spoken to The Australian about shifts in acceptance in the media, particularly for older women.

Liz Hayes (53) , Tracy Grimshaw (49), Sandra Sully (40s), Juanita Phillips (46) and Kay McGrath (53) all agreed there had been improvements in an industry which has traditionally shunned many women once they turn 40.

ABC Sydney newsreader Juanita Phillips said, “I can honestly say there’s been a big change in the industry and it’s been forced by public opinion.

“The world’s a different place and you only have to look at what happened with Eddie McGuire and the figure skater. Eddie had to eat humble pie, and the same with Hey Hey It’s Saturday‘s black face routine. There was a big outcry. Public opinion has shifted. People are quite upfront about saying: `We’re quite offended by racism, sexism and homophobia on our TV screens’.”

None of the women said they have ever been told by a TV executive that they had to improve a certain part of their looks. But some did say they had heard comments made behind the scenes, about weight or hair styles, and of course viewers were constant critics.

Liz Hayes said, “No one has ever said to me at Channel Nine or Channel 10 that I should do something about my looks; no producer or CEO has ever said to me your bum’s too big.”

Maybe television has come full circle. There are certainly execs telling men to keep an eye on their appearance…

Source:  The Australian

5 Responses

  1. As a 40 year-old journo I have seen a lot of changes (joined the industry as a cadet at 18) particularly from the public. As a young journalist I was made cricket writer (because of my experience and love of the sport) but when an older guy was put through to the “new cricket reporter” he thought he’d been put through to the secretary.
    These days there are more female editors and sports reporters – but not that much more. And when a group of the senior reporters from my paper were made redundant late last year all the males ended up with jobs and although all my mates having been ringing for story ideas and help and acknowledgement of my talent- there is still seems to be this underlying feeling from the males that its nice for me to finally be home with my family not writing the news.

    But At least we are starting to see changes and women of my age can now see contemporaries on television! That’s a start!!

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