Journalist & Digital Marketing Specialist

Leeds Trinity University Post Graduate Masters Cohort segment of this years International Global News Relay Collaboration - 'People of the World'

Channel4 News presenter Cathy Newman, celebrated for her fearless approach and dedication to truth, recently spoke at Leeds Trinity University’s Journalism and Media Week. In an interview with Leigh Purves, Newman reflected on her journey in journalism, including her experiences of sexism and adversity faced by women in the industry, especially those from a diverse background, and particularly women of colour.

Newman’s career has been a testament to her resilience and determination, being the first female news reporter on Channel4 News, putting herself in the spotlight for women in journalism.

She said: "John Snow, I used to watch at university, I can't believe I'm presenting next to him, it’s like a dream come true to be honest".

Throughout her career, she has been candid about the challenges of being a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

Newman engaged the audience, speaking of how opportunities are hard to come by with the highly competitive nature of the industry, which can foster negative feelings of rejection as the first challenge.
The second challenge, that is a persistent and dominant theme is sexism and harassment for a woman on their way up the ladder.

Newman has observed first-hand how women must demonstrate extraordinary determination and resilience to be taken seriously in any industry, a recurring theme in her work and public discussions.
In her books, such as ‘Bloody Brilliant Women’ and ‘The Ladder: Life Lessons from Women Who Scaled the Heights & Dodged the Snakes’, she brings together women who have achieved extraordinary things in their lives, from politicians like Nicola Sturgeon and Angela Rayner to scientists like Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell, and activists like Rosamund Kissi-Debrahsheds.

These works, and her Podcast 'The Ladder' for ‘The Times’, she celebrates women’s achievements against adversity and gives advice to other women wanting to follow the up 'the ladder'.

It reflected Newman’s advocacy for greater recognition of female contributions, especially in journalism.

When asked by a member of the audience on advice for new journalists navigating sexism and diversity, and if it had ever made her want to 'give up', she confidently said: "No, I never wanted to give, because I'm quite stubborn", laughing.

"Seeing Kate Adie, reporting on the first gulf war, I remember thinking, wow, I can do this too”.
“You’ve got to see the change to be the change, I had never seen a women doing that kind of job in journalism.”

Newman recalled on how she never looked back from that moment, she said: "No matter how hard it is, however many obstacles and harassment that gets put in the way, I thought, I had a right to be a reporter and to be in that world”.

Speaking in a strong and compelling manner, similar to her reporting style, she said: “You have to be resilient, don't focus on noise and the ugliness”.