And I agree with Katie — hopefully this is an issue we can address at the conference, since the blogosphere/Internet is not only a great way to get women’s voices out there, but it is also a medium that the mainstream media is taking notice of more and more.

Just as an FYI, the National Organization for Women also has a Women’s In Media Fact Sheet (http://www.now.org/issues/media/women_in_media_facts.html) that just goes to show the gender gap in all facets of the mainstream media.

I completely agree. Remember how everyone treated Gwen Ifill, though? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gwen_Ifill Any woman who fills a top spot in the media or any other “man’s world” job will be subject to outrageous criticism and judgment for superficial reasons. We all know this to be true. My point, however, is that the person to fill this position must be prepared to deal with it and must be strong enough to do her job effectively without letting outside pressures affect her. Initially it’s going to be tough to find the right candidates for these positions and that’s why the up-and-comers need as much help and support as they can get, until we change overall attitudes and expectations. It’s a long, difficult, necessary process.

I do think, however, that times are a-changin’ — young women of my generation want and feel the need for change like this, and are ready to make it happen. And the Internet is making it all the more possible, giving voice and authority to a diversity of people who can choose how to represent themselves and how to express what they believe.