Taking Chances and Making Changes

Abstract

The stories of three female “firsts” in newspaper management are important in understanding journalism history and the role that gender played. Gloria Biggs, Carol Sutton, and Janet Chusmir were all women who rose through the ranks to lead a publication that their families did not own. While their initial achievements were lauded by the press, there was little explanation about the differences they made and the challenges they faced. Within the stories about their promotions were the questions of gender roles at a time when the women’s liberation movement was gaining attention and later acceptance.