The ‘Stunt Work’ That Launched Women Into Investigative Journalism

UnTextbooked | A history podcast for the future

Women including Ida B. Wells and Nellie Bly were on the front edge of investigative journalism in the 1800s. But even with these historical trailblazers, why were women excluded from reporting hard news until recent history?

Producer Jordan Pettiford sits down with author, journalist and professor Brooke Kroeger to find out. Brooke has authored six books and her most recent book is “Undaunted: How Women Changed American Journalism”.

Listen to new episodes every Thursday. Follow the show on Spotify, Apple podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you listen. That way you never miss an episode.

Love the show? Consider writing us a review on your podcast app or telling a friend about the show. This really helps us spread the word.

Learn more about the podcast at UnTextbooked.com.

Show Notes:

(00:00) - Introduction

(1:08) - Who is Ida B. Wells?

(2:08) - Journalist Nellie Bly and the Insane Asylum

(6:04) - Women Journalists & ‘Stunt Work’

(8:03) - Ida B. Wells’ Entry Into Journalism

(10:05) - Ida B. Wells & Lynching Investigations

(11:24) - ‘Sob Sisters’ and ‘Front Page Girls’ of the 1920s

(12:48) - Women as War Correspondents

(14:43) - Impact of The Civil Rights Act of 1964

(18:18) - Scrutiny Women Face in Broadcast Journalism

(20:46) - Female Executive Editors at Top News Organizations

(23:13) - Brooke Kroeger’s Advice for Young Journalists

(26:27) - Reflections