Skip to content

In the beginning when I sat next to Tom Brokaw on the…

“In the beginning when I sat next to Tom Brokaw on the 'Today' show, the stories I was interested in were those having to do with women and children and learning and health. In those days, 25 to 30 years ago, that was called soft news, and not in a nice way.” quote by Jane Pauley
Download Open image
“In the beginning when I sat next to Tom Brokaw on the 'Today' show, the stories I was interested in were those having to do with women and children and learning and health. In those days, 25 to 30 years ago, that was called soft news, and not in a nice way.”

Jane Pauley

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Media historically labeled topics about women, children, health as “soft,” revealing gender bias in news values.

In simple terms: Soft news was dismissed because of who it focused on.

Key Takeaway

Challenge dismissive labels and value all stories.

Themes

gender bias media ethics news values

Mood

analytical thoughtful

Type

critical explanatory

When to use this quote

  • newsroom decisions
  • public health campaigns
  • education reporting
  • family services

Key Concepts

sociology gender studies

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why are stories about care considered less serious?
  • How can journalists elevate underrepresented topics?
A Different Perspective

Soft news can still be seen as less important despite impact.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Jane Pauley

Explore all 68 Jane Pauley quotes

More Beginning quotes

Browse all 3,566 Beginning quotes