Freedom Forum and Newseum: Shaping Conversations Around Sexual Harassment and Discrimination
It was a packed room at the April conference of the Midwest Broadcast Journalists Association.
Starting the dialogue on workplace integrity began as a challenge. Then, a veteran journalism professor with University of Nebraska Omaha spoke up, admitting that things like discrimination and sexual harassment historically had never been addressed.
“That’s going to change on Monday,” the professor told the group, of his plans to take the conversation to his journalism students.
Susan Ramsett, vice president and general manager with KWQC-TV, remembers the moment well.
“The conversation could’ve gone on for hours after that,” Ramsett said. “This is not just a female issue. If you’re just talking with women, you’re missing half the audience.”
A year ago, Ramsett participated in the Freedom Forum Institute and Newseum’s Power Shift Summit, an event that invited more than 130 newsroom leaders, editors, reporters, and advocates to identify problems and generate solutions to the problem of sexual misconduct in the newsroom. Soon after, the summit released a 21-page report: Ending Silence and Changing Systems in the Media Industry.
The report identified seven principles and called for the repair of systemic failures. They include the ability to report misconduct without fear of retribution, harassment training for employees at all levels of an organization, and a human resources process free from apparent and inherent bias.
Credit: Freedom Forum Institute power shift summit, Jan. 2018.
A Turning Point
You could say that first summit was the eye of the storm — filled with rage about how sexual misconduct had flown so far below the radar in the country’s newsrooms. What followed was a solid year of self-examination and attempts at improvement.
The Freedom Forum continues to lead its charge in this fight. Last June a class of 33 trainers was certified to teach a workplace integrity curriculum to news organizations nationwide.
“The most satisfying part of the mission is changing the conversation within workplaces,” says Jill Geisler, Freedom Forum Institute Fellow in Women’s Leadership. “Not just making it safe, but rewarding to talk about cultures of respect and trust.”
This year, the Freedom Forum has workshops planned in March, June, August, and October.
On Dec. 14, CBS Corp. awarded the institute with a $500,000 grant to expand the reach of its workplace integrity training.
A Freedom Forum release says “the grant will underwrite tuition and travel support for qualified media organizations to attend the Power Shift Project’s Workplace Integrity: Train the Trainers workshops, which prepare individuals in the news industry and journalism education groups to deliver this one-of-a-kind training curriculum in their own organizations.”
KWQC-TV’s Ramsett says it’s crucial for the media industry to have workplace integrity.
“We’re all competing to find good people to work in our newsrooms and our company [Gray Television],” Ramsett says. “For us, it’s the right thing to do. We want to be the kind of company that people want to work for.”
Credit: Freedom Forum Institute – the inaugural first class, June 2018. Top row (from left to right): Marty Kaiser, Jennifer Legat, Margaret Holt, Karen Raffensperger, Rebecca Feldhaus Adams, Sharahn Thomas, Susan Ramsett, Mizell Stewart, Shirley Carswell, Lynne Adrine. Middle row (left to right): Kat McKibben, Sonya Gavankar, Sharon Masling, Katherine Ellis, Jan Neuharth, Jill Geisler, Cathy Trost, Jan Goldstein, Kathleen Culver, Candy Altman, Roseann St. Aubin, Karen Testa. Front row (left to right): Madhulika Sikka, Kate McCarthy, Elisa Lees Muñoz, Julie Moos, Jen Christensen, Traci Schweikert, Jean Hodges, Kim Vance, Diana Miller, Maryfran Tyler, Cindy Keith, Sandra Porteous.
What the Future Holds
Jean Hodges has worked in newsrooms for many years.
Hodges, senior director of content with GateHouse Media News & Interactive Division, found the power shift program inspiring — the idea of making things better for newsrooms. She wanted to start the conversation, applying the workplace integrity curriculum within GateHouse.
“This is a chance — in a healthy and constructive way — to take a look at what we do and make sure we’re supportive of each other,” Hodges said. “We know that if people are feeling pushed down, they’re not going to be doing their best work.”
GateHouse Media is among the largest publishers of locally-based media in the U.S. According to its site, GateHouse publishes 145 daily newspapers, 325 community publications, and more than 555 local market websites that reach more than 23 million people every week.
Hodges already has two trainers in the Freedom Forum program. The goal is to permanently keep the workplace integrity conversation alive within GateHouse Media.
In related news, the Freedom Forum announced on Jan. 25 the sale of its headquarters at 555 Pennsylvania Avenue in DC to Johns Hopkins University for $372.5 million.
Johns Hopkins will use the facility for its DC-based programs. While the sale still is subject to a number of regulatory approvals, the museum plans to close at the end of 2019.
“The sale of the building will not effect the program,” said Sonya Gavankar, director of public relations with the Newseum.
Subscribe to Beyond Bylines to get media trends, journalist interviews, blogger profiles, and more sent right to your inbox.
[blog_subscription_form]
Christine Cube is a senior audience relations manager with PR Newswire and freelance writer. Follow her at @cpcube.
We need to protect our rights!
Maybe someone will find this useful https://mosheslaw.com/laborandemployment/sexual-harassment-lawyer/ We don’t need to keep silence
This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I’ve joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your magnificent post. Also, I’ve shared your site in my social networks!
I truly appreciate your technique of writing a blog. I added it to my bookmark site list and will
Hi there to all, for the reason that I am genuinely keen of reading this website’s post to be updated on a regular basis. It carries pleasant stuff.
Very well presented. Every quote was awesome and thanks for sharing the content. Keep sharing and keep motivating others.
Great information shared.. really enjoyed reading this post thank you author for sharing this post .. appreciated
This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I’ve joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your magnificent post. Also, I’ve shared your site in my social networks!
I truly appreciate your technique of writing a blog. I added it to my bookmark site list and will
This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I’ve joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your magnificent post. Also, I’ve shared your site in my social networks!
Nice post. I learn something totally new and challenging on websites
I’m often to blogging and i really appreciate your content. The article has actually peaks my interest. I’m going to bookmark your web site and maintain checking for brand spanking new information.
This was beautiful Admin. Thank you for your reflections.
I appreciate you sharing this blog post. Thanks Again. Cool.
I’m often to blogging and i really appreciate your content. The article has actually peaks my interest. I’m going to bookmark your web site and maintain checking for brand spanking new information.
This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I’ve joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your magnificent post. Also, I’ve shared your site in my social networks!
Hi there to all, for the reason that I am genuinely keen of reading this website’s post to be updated on a regular basis. It carries pleasant stuff.
I very delighted to find this internet site on bing, just what I was searching for as well saved to fav
Good post! We will be linking to this particularly great post on our site. Keep up the great writing
naturally like your web site however you need to take a look at the spelling on several of your posts. A number of them are rife with spelling problems and I find it very bothersome to tell the truth on the other hand I will surely come again again.
There is definately a lot to find out about this subject. I like all the points you made
Pretty! This has been a really wonderful post. Many thanks for providing these details.
Pretty! This has been a really wonderful post. Many thanks for providing these details.
I like the efforts you have put in this, regards for all the great content.
This was beautiful Admin. Thank you for your reflections.
Hi there to all, for the reason that I am genuinely keen of reading this website’s post to be updated on a regular basis. It carries pleasant stuff.
Awesome! Its genuinely remarkable post, I have got much clear idea regarding from this post
Pretty! This has been a really wonderful post. Many thanks for providing these details.
Nice post. I learn something totally new and challenging on websites
Nice post. I learn something totally new and challenging on websites
I really like reading through a post that can make men and women think. Also, thank you for allowing me to comment!
This is my first time pay a quick visit at here and i am really happy to read everthing at one place
There is definately a lot to find out about this subject. I like all the points you made
There is definately a lot to find out about this subject. I like all the points you made
This is my first time pay a quick visit at here and i am really happy to read everthing at one place
Hi there to all, for the reason that I am genuinely keen of reading this website’s post to be updated on a regular basis. It carries pleasant stuff.
This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I’ve joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your magnificent post. Also, I’ve shared your site in my social networks!
There is definately a lot to find out about this subject. I like all the points you made
Awesome! Its genuinely remarkable post, I have got much clear idea regarding from this post
i am seeing new dress for girls
Are you in search of the best women clothing brands? Explore the latest Women’s clothing dresses including luxury formal dresses, Unstitched Suits, ready-to-wear, bridal dresses, and other collections online at the Meerak clothing store.
Explore our exclusive collection of wedding formals for your special day. Find the perfect outfit to make a statement and look beautiful at your Wedding day.
Mohagni offers the best new trouser design online in Pakistan. Our collection features only the finest materials to ensure the highest level of quality for our customers. With our wide selection and fast delivery, mohagni will be the best destination for your online shopping needs.
Explore a wide collection of formal and Fashion shoes for women at Adoro. Find the perfect pair to elevate your style and confidence.
Discover the latest ready to wear in Pakistan. Our collection offers a wide range of styles for every event, ranging from classic to modern. Shop now to add stylish, ready-to-wear items that will instantly boost your collection.
Elevate your style with our exquisite collection of Women Heels Shoes in pakistan. Shop now for the latest trends in high-quality footwear. Discover a wide range of styles and designs to suit every occasion. Enjoy fast and reliable shipping.
Shop the latest collection of formal wedding dress at Afrozeh. From elegant gowns to stunning silhouettes, find the perfect dress for your special day.
Get ready for an adventure with our awesome avengers toys We have many Avengers toys for your children. Explore action figures and Avengers play sets inspired by your favorite superheroes. Go into the Marvel universe and let the fun begin. Buy now.
Upgrade your wardrobe with ECS’ simple trouser design. Made with high-quality materials, our trousers offer a comfortable and stylish fit for any occasion. So, grab your trousers today.
Chahyay offers a wide range of bed in pakistan. Explore our collection for the perfect double bed design and bring elegance to your bedroom.
Discover the exquisite world of Ammara Khan’s luxury dresses. Elevate your style with the finest pakistani luxury formals and indulge in the opulence of luxury clothing.
stylish trouser design
Discover the latest collection of stylish trouser design at Nishat Linen. Choose from a wide range of designs and find the perfect pair to enhance your style.
Discover the ideal bags for women at affordable prices. Pick from a large assortment of chic and useful bags to complete your look and hold all of your necessities. Shop now to get a perfect handbag.
Find the beauty of face oil with Her Beauty. Our carefully curated collection of face oils will nourish and enhance your skin, leaving you with a radiant and healthy glow.
Explore our outstanding selection of casual shirts for men in Pakistan ! Choose from fashionable styles to timeless items to discover a perfect combination for any occasion. Get the best shirts today at the Hang Ten online store, and easily uplift your look.
Elevate your gifting game with our wide selection of Send gifts to Karachi cupcake gift, and flowers perfect for Karachi delivery. From elegant floral arrangements to decadent chocolate bouquets and delightful cupcake flowers, we have excellent gifts to sweeten any event. Spread joy and love with our thoughtful gifts delivered exact to their doorstep in Karachi.
There is definately a lot to find out about this subject. I like all the points you made
I very delighted to find this internet site on bing, just what I was searching for as well saved to fav
I really like reading through a post that can make men and women think. Also, thank you for allowing me to comment!
You’re so awesome! I don’t believe I have read a single thing like that before. So great to find someone with some original thoughts on this topic. Really.. thank you for starting this up. This website is something that is needed on the internet, someone with a little originality!
I like the efforts you have put in this, regards for all the great content.
QNS International simplifies business startup in dubai with comprehensive management services. From incorporation to growth strategies, we pave the way for your success.
Osh University is a distinguished medical science university , known for its commitment to advancing healthcare education and research on a global scale.
Shalamar Hospital’s ENT department is dedicated to your ear, nose, and throat well-being. Count on us for comprehensive ENT services in a caring medical environment.