Women's Media Center

Women's Media Center. The Women's Media Center is a progressive nonprofit organization founded to amplify women's voices and increase their visibility and power across all media platforms. Established by prominent feminist leaders, it works through advocacy, original content creation, and leadership training to challenge systemic bias and shape a more equitable media landscape. The organization is headquartered in New York City and operates both nationally and internationally.

History and founding

The organization was co-founded in 2005 by three iconic figures of the feminist movement: author and activist Gloria Steinem, actor and activist Jane Fonda, and writer and feminist theorist Robin Morgan. Its creation was a direct response to persistent research, such as studies by the Global Media Monitoring Project, showing severe underrepresentation and misrepresentation of women in news media and entertainment. The founders leveraged their extensive networks and public platforms, building on the legacy of earlier institutions like Ms. Foundation and the National Organization for Women, to launch an entity dedicated to systemic media change. Initial support came from a coalition of donors, activists, and media professionals concerned about the distorted public narrative.

Mission and goals

The core mission is to make women visible and powerful in media. This encompasses several specific goals: ensuring women are represented as subjects and sources in journalism, promoting accurate and diverse portrayals that counter stereotypes in film and television, and training women to become effective media spokespeople and creators. The organization seeks to influence media policy, advocate for equitable hiring and promotion practices within companies like CNN and The New York Times, and hold outlets accountable for biased coverage. Underpinning this work is a commitment to intersectionality, addressing how factors like race, sexual orientation, and disability compound media marginalization.

Programs and initiatives

Key programs include the **WMC Speech Project**, which provides media training for experts on issues ranging from reproductive rights to climate change. The **WMC SheSource** is an online database of female experts used by producers at outlets like NPR and MSNBC to diversify their commentary. Its **WMC Features** division produces and syndicates commentary and investigative reporting by women, often covering underreported stories. The **WMC FBomb** blog is a digital platform for feminist youth. Furthermore, the organization publishes annual reports such as the **WMC Status of Women in U.S. Media**, a comprehensive analysis tracking representation in sectors from Hollywood to Silicon Valley. It also runs campaigns like **#NameItChangeIt** to combat sexist language in political coverage.

Impact and recognition

The organization's research, such as its studies on the gender gap in Oscar-nominated films or Emmy Awards news and drama directing, is frequently cited by major publications including The Washington Post and Variety. Its advocacy has contributed to policy discussions at the Federal Communications Commission and within the United Nations. Training programs have equipped thousands of women, from community organizers to Congressional staff, for media engagement. The **SheSource** database is credited with increasing the presence of female analysts on networks like Fox News and ABC News. The center's work has been recognized with awards from groups like the National Association for Multi-ethnicity in Communications and the Gracie Awards.

Leadership and organization

Julie Burton, a longtime advocate with experience at the White House Project, has served as president since 2012, guiding its strategic growth. The board of directors includes notable figures from media, philanthropy, and activism, such as co-founders Gloria Steinem and Robin Morgan, as well as Pat Mitchell of the Paley Center for Media. The organization is structured with departments focused on programs, communications, and development, operating with a staff and network of fellows and contributors. It is funded through a mix of individual donations, foundation grants from entities like the Ford Foundation and the NoVo Foundation, and corporate partnerships.