An Ally for Media Equality

TalentBlvd was founded in 2017 with the mission of connecting talented journalists nationwide; and at the same time, connecting talent with hiring managers or agents from the largest media networks in the U.S. We strive to bring exposure and equitable opportunities for all, while being an ally for equality in media. Data proves that representation matters, and skills and experience should be the priority over youth and appearance.

In my 35 year career span in a variety of industries, I learned what great leadership looks like. There were however many times I was troubled with what I saw. I have seen discrimination based on age, race, weight, disability, and without question, gender. Fairness and equality come with familiarity. TalentBlvd reflects the markets that we serve. We look like the market, talk like the market, live in the market and understand the market needs.

American newsrooms have 57% of news bylines and credits attributed to men, women represented only 41%, according to the Women’s Media Center’s latest report, “Divided 2021: The Media Gender Gap.” This report also states that only 43% of anchors and correspondents on TV prime-time weekday evening news broadcasts (cable and network) are women.

Data as evidence for equality

The media gender gap is not only a matter of equality, it is also a matter of maintaining media coverage neutral. “Not just anybody can write about gender,” said Slate’s Christina Cauterucci, Slate senior writer and host of Outward. “It is a skill that requires honing and expertise in the same way that writing about economics or something requires expertise.”

"…women journalists in the U.S. said online harassment

affected press freedom."

Inequality in the hiring process, discrimination and harassment are the main reasons for the media gender gap. According to the Seattle University Department of Communication, 79% of 115 surveyed women journalists in the U.S. said online harassment affected press freedom and, some added, fear of online abuse made them avoid reporting on certain stories. Men, Women and Nonbinary journalists bring different points of views based on diverse experiences to the table. We need to create a safe environment for all genders so all voices can be heard.

Equality in media benefits all

While women are 52% of the nation’s population, they garnered 37.9% of screen time for the top 10 recurring characters in shows across all broadcast, cable, and subscription-based services, according to Nielsen. Media would benefit from having the majority of the nation's population portrayed on screen. More viewers tune it when they see themselves represented.

“It’s not enough to only hire women and put them in a gender beat,” said Nishita Jha, BuzzFeed’s global women’s rights reporter. “One of the big things that’s missing in newsrooms is women in leadership roles and also women of color in leadership roles.”

When it comes to broadcast media journalism, the market tilts female as does the US workforce population. The Dept. of Labor and US Census Bureau tells us the demographics of our markets are roughly 70% White, 18% Hispanic/Latino, 13% Black/African American, 6% Asian. Numbers are greater than 100% because of multiple affiliations when self-selecting. (White/Latino for example)

An ally for media equality

TalentBlvd's leadership team very much reflects the markets we serve. TalentBlvd.com’s mentors, advisors and coaches are, in its majority, female. These exceptional women represent very diverse backgrounds and experiences. They are accomplished role models for the industry’s young journalists and are recognized for their amazing personal and professional accomplishments. They persevere in an industry that isn’t always equitable.

Our team includes National Network Anchors from Telemundo, Estrella, also Fox Sports Anchors/Sideline/Team Reporters, 20 year+ local Main Anchors, Executive Multimedia Producers, and successful Multimedia Entrepreneurs. Today is the day that we celebrate our progress toward women’s equality but we also recognize we still have a long way to go.

In that light, we will continue to hold up our female role models and celebrate their successes despite decades of bias and discrimination that created a wide gender gap. We will continue learning from them and champion female equality.

TalentBlvd strives to be an ally for media gender equality and we'll continue to work towards equality in media coverage so all voices can be heard. We want to hear from you on how we can help bring forth much needed change in broadcast journalism. Together, we can help this industry survive by prioritizing the need for equality.