(Editor’s note: The Readers’ Advocate’s role is to address the concerns of readers on a variety of matters, including the fairness of stories; what The Item covers and how; stories that may have been missed; and the emphasis put on certain stories but perhaps not on others. It is written by Jo Sullivan, a retired educator who is not a member of The Item staff and is not being paid. These commentaries appear periodically, on no set schedule.)
The Item produced an extensive and varied focus on Women’s History Month this year, not only with their typical special issue format, but also throughout the month of March. There were news articles, profiles, editorials and features on specific topics, such as politics, business, and sports.
The stories and features were comprehensive, and kicked off on March 15 with The Item’s special issue format of multiple points of view. I confess that, when I saw that the first two pieces were written by longtime male staff, I had my doubts about what kind of focus on women this would be. That first series also included pieces by three female reporters and an editorial.
Readers may have noticed that, in recent months, The Item has featured new young reporters. Their bylines and names on the masthead are evidence of an expanded news reporting staff and the promotions of young hires—especially women.
To my surprise and pleasure, that opening began a nice balance: stories featured groups of women and individuals, with some stories flagged and labeled as women’s history articles. Other pieces were reporting and opinion in the normal course of the news business.
Stories highlighted women firefighters, women clergy, women of Passover, healthcare leaders, a team of Peabody track stars, and women in government. Given the interest in the influence of local mayors, this “women in politics” article could have included current Salem Mayor Kimberley Driscoll (2006-present) and former Lynn Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy (2010-2018).
On other days, stories of individual women were featured, including the only female firefighter in Lynnfield; the first Latina principal in Lynn; an Amplify Latinx leadership award for Essex Media Group Community Relations Director, and editor of La Voz, Carolina Trujillo; and business owner Leslie Intoppa, who opened Turnstone Market to provide fresh food to Nahant residents.
History was noted in pieces as diverse as an article about a divorcée who changed the law with her actions in 1848, and a tribute by Item News Editor Cheryl Charles to children’s author Beverly Cleary, who died in March.
Even on St. Patrick’s Day, the front page included two different points of view on St. Patrick’s Day experiences written by recent hires Allysha Dunnigan and Tréa Lavery.
The month-long theme was an extended version of The Item special topic features on its front pages (the latest of which was “COEXIST: Keeping the Faith,” April 2, 2021).
The focus on Women’s History Month was important and appreciated. At the same time, there were a number of opinion pieces, editorials, and articles that were not labeled as part of Women’s History coverage.
I hope this is an indication that women’s history, women’s rights, and women’s economic and leadership roles will be included, acknowledged and highlighted all year long by The Item.
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