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Mavens of Media

Four Local Trailblazers Delivering Media to Our Community

Article by Lisa Schreiner

Photography by Life n Light, Demri Rayanne Photography

Originally published in Bellevue Lifestyle

Mimi Jung
News Anchor
KING 5 News

What do you enjoy about working in the media industry?

I love meeting so many different people, telling their stories and being knowledgeable on a variety of subjects. 

How do you think women are represented in the media industry?

I think female journalists have made significant progress in a field that used to be dominated by men. But women are still underrepresented in management roles and continue to fight salary disparity and opportunities as they age. It can be even more challenging for a working mom in an industry that is so demanding and inflexible with schedules, which makes work/life balance very difficult to achieve. 

What are the biggest shifts you see in the industry?

People have many more sources for news these days and they're used to getting information so quickly in the palm of their hands. We’ve had to adapt and stay relevant to the changing technology by delivering the news on multiple platforms and presenting the news in a way that is engaging to a new generation of viewers.

What excites you most about your work?

As a morning anchor, I love being the first to tell people what they need to know to start their day, get them informed and put a smile on their face before they walk out the door. It's a privilege to be a part of a viewer's daily routine. 

Molly Mesnick
Mid-day Host
106.1 KISS FM

What do you enjoy about working in the media industry?

It sounds cliché, but I love that my job gives me access to such a powerful platform. One that I use to make people laugh, to inform, but also one that I use to help people take their mind off of all the negativity in the current climate of the world!

How do you think women are represented in the media industry?

Unfortunately, there is a definitely struggle when it comes to gender equality in the media industry. It feels like the expectation is for women to look pretty, play the role of "sidekick", and certainly not voice any smart opinions. That being said, women ARE starting to speak louder, use their voices to demand the respect they deserve, so I can feel a shift in the right direction! I'm also surrounded by an incredible team of men at KISS FM that empower us, trust us, and treat us as equals - as it should be!

What are the biggest shifts you see in the industry?

The media industry is going through a MAJOR shift! More people are cutting cable to swap for things like Netflix. People who would typically listen to the radio in the car are now listening to podcasts. Most people - including myself - now get their news from social media. I'm really curious to know what the media landscape will look like in five years. Until then, I'll keep trucking along! 

Best advice received.

Stop caring about what other people think. The minute I stopped filtering myself and giving responses that I thought people wanted to hear, everything changed for me. I started seeing my job as anything but a job. It became fun!

Kristin Ackerman Bacon
CEO/Publisher
Sip Magazine & Cidercraft Magazine

What do you enjoy about working in the media industry?

Supporting the craft beverage community I love so much is the best part for me. The ability to share their stories no matter what resources they have (or don’t have) makes me feel like I’m making a difference for them and the beverage industry. Small businesses are especially close to my heart, but I’m equally excited when I get to help out the companies who started it all and helped pave the way for their beverage category or region.

How do you think women are represented in the media industry?

I feel lucky to work in the print industry where women have a stronger representation than in other worlds. We find writers based on their qualifications — their love of wine or passion for cider or history in the beer community — we get to work with the best of the best, regardless of gender. 

What are the biggest shifts you see in the industry?

The ways in which people consume media have shifted completely. When I started out in print publishing almost 20 years ago, we made magazines and that was the whole scope of work. It’s a completely different landscape now. Instead of being done when the book is sent to print, we’re running fully-realized websites for both Sip and Cidercraft, plus reaching readers on channels like social media, e-newsletters and at countless events. There are so many different facets and the content needs to be tailored for each channel while still leading with a cohesive message across them all.

What are you most inspired by?

Female entrepreneurs who have found success and give the gift of mentorship and real-life experience to others in their within their community. 

Sydney Mintle
Founder
Gossip & Glamour

What do you enjoy about working in the media industry?

I love people and feel incredibly lucky to have such an amazing roster of clients doing cool things in the world of beauty and fashion. It’s a privilege to be able to share their stories. Things are always changing and evolving, that’s what I like about the nature of my work.

How do you think women are represented in the media industry?

Most of my peers are women, but in general, the world of media is still dominated by men. I think it’s important for men who are in positions of power to use their privilege to give women opportunities to move into leadership roles. There’s also a need for on-going mentorship and regular feedback so that media professionals can continue to perfect their craft and share what they know with next generation talent.

What are the biggest shifts you see in the industry?

The world of media is changing, and I think it’s important for everyone to embrace what’s ahead. As a PR professional, the scope of my work has expanded to include event planning, influencer outreach, digital marketing, and strategic business consulting. The good news is that I’m seeing a lot more collaboration among my peers in media and an overall sense that we’re in this together. Keeping the dialogue going and sharing insight will be the key to success.

What are you most inspired by?

I’m most inspired by women in business who share their insight with others, without any expectations or strings attached. I have weekly check-ins with fellow publicists in my network and we’re constantly sharing business insight and strategies. It’s helpful to know that I have a sounding board for ideas and that there’s a community of support behind me. That’s what keeps me going during tough times.

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