ABSTRACT
Feminist journalism research has produced a rigorous evidence base, constructed over decades, establishing that men and men’s interests and actions tend to be highly valued in society and more widely and prominently covered by journalists than those of women. Considering girls’ historical relationships to journalism and the news provides a context for understanding current ones. Persuasive periodical accounts of women journalists emphasised both the rigors and attractions of the profession, often casting the female journalist as a heroic New Woman figure adaptable to modern and challenging work environments. Historically “real,” professional journalism has been regarded as including certain topics such as politics, economics, war, law, and business. Public responses to her activities as a young journalist fall within a narrow range, from those who think she ought to be playing with dolls and hosting pretend tea parties, to disbelief that what she is doing is in any way “proper” journalism.
