Women in Media: From Mansplaining to Manterruption : How to rise up and be heard

The AIS in partnership with Monash University co-hosted a panel that addressed challenging issues that still confront women across different professional environments. The star stellar line-up panel included Karen Percy (ABC), Laurel Irving (Seven Network) and Wendy Tuohy (Herald Sun) who shared their views on “From Mansplaining to Manterruption: How to rise up and be heard”.  The program was opened by Associate Professor Mia Lindgren, Head of Monash University’s School of Media, Film and Journalism, who mentioned how she’s seen many women enrol in the school with a view of carving out a long term career despite the challenges in the industry. She believes it would be inevitable that women assume leadership and mentoring positions, nurturing not only the younger women but also men who decide to join the media profession.

 The panellists shared their career journeys from inception, including their scholarships, employment opportunities and maternity leave phases, and how they are still championing the voices of women in media. The verdict was unanimous: it was and still is tough. Wendy Tuohy recalled how she received a condescending remark in her early days as a journalist by a judge who said “You’ll be a good girl, won’t you?” in her attempt to write an objectively balanced article. She still recalls how preferential treatment given to male photographers over senior female journalists. To this day, Wendy still mentors women and is happy to inject a dose of self-confidence to any woman. Laurel Irving mentioned how important it is to have women at board levels of management as they provide a fresh perspectives and different dimensions to the agenda of broadcast news. Laurel also invited the public, particularly those who are underprivileged or of a minority background to pitch stories to them, so they could raise their profile or amplify their message to the masses. Karen Percy remembered attending a program on domestic violence against women, which was organised by women for the men, only to witness the men take credit for how well it was organised! The challenge is out there for men to recognise women as equals and champion the change so women’s voices could be heard, respected and appreciated.

 Esma Yucel from the AIS offered closing remarks, reminding the audience that while voices of change may often seem unheard, a single voice of difference can alter opinions of two more voices in a room of ten.

 The AIS is pleased to have co-hosted this event as it works to provide a platform for equity and robust discussions that are vital in a progressive society. 

[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”62″ gal_title=”2017 Women in Media”]

Facilitator- Karen Percy/ ABC

Karen Percy has been a reporter and presenter for ABC Television and Radio for 11 years, after starting with the ABC as a cadet in 1987.

Karen has also worked for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in Toronto and returned to Australia in 2002. She has reported for the 7pm News, Lateline and 7.30 Report, as well as reporting for ABC radio current affairs.

During her career, Karen has won an ABC Scholarship to the Reuters Foundation in Oxford, where she examined media coverage of Islam.

Karen was posted to Bangkok in August 2006.

Panelist – Laurel Irving/ CH7

Laurel Irving is a professional journalist who is currently at the television station Seven Network.  She has been in the industry for 18 years and she is based out of Australia.

Laurel Irving began her career as a Journalist in January of 2002, when she began working for Network Ten in Adelaide, Australia as a political reporter.Network Ten is a public news company in Australia that utilizes television, radio, and digital platforms and caters to people ages 25 to 54. They hold four television channels in the five cities across Australia.

Laurel worked for Network Ten as a political reporter until January 2007, and then switched to working for Network Ten as an all-purpose journalist.She stayed with Network Ten until the end of the year, and then began working for Seven Network.Seven Network Australia is a television network in Australia that is part of Seven West Media.