ABSTRACT Title of Document: EDYTHE MESERAND: RADIO PIONEER and FIRST PRESIDENT of AMERICAN WOMEN in RADIO and TELEVISION
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ABSTRACT Title of Document: EDYTHE MESERAND: RADIO PIONEER AND FIRST PRESIDENT OF AMERICAN WOMEN IN RADIO AND TELEVISION Merrilee A. Cox, Ph.D., 2014 Directed By: Professor Maurine H. Beasley, Philip Merrill College of Journalism This historical dissertation examines the career of Edythe Meserand, a broadcast executive and the first president of American Women in Radio and Television, the oldest established professional association dedicated to advancing women in broadcasting. The research – the first in-depth account of Meserand’s professional life – uses primary sources to investigate the tactics Meserand used to build a successful career in broadcasting’s early decades, from the mid-1920s through the early 1950s. Her strategies reflected both her times and the conservative nature of the broadcasting industry. Much of her work took place in the gendered space that women typically occupied, but her most important work occurred during the fifteen years she spent in the male-dominated newsroom at WOR radio. This research adds to the historical record by providing a comprehensive case study of a notable woman whose career sheds light on the range of challenges and opportunities women faced. It also explores the prominent role she played in the founding and early development of AWRT where she inspired and mentored other women for more than 30 years. The author will argue that this work, and Meserand’s ability to position herself as a worthy role-model for women in the broadcasting and media industry, is her most significant contribution. EDYTHE MESERAND: RADIO PIONEER AND FIRST PRESIDENT OF AMERICAN WOMEN IN RADIO AND TELEVISION By Merrilee A. Cox Dissertation submitted to the Faculty of the Graduate School of the University of Maryland, College Park, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy 2014 Advisory Committee: Professor Emerita Maurine H. Beasley, Chair Professor Douglas Gomery Professor Gay Gullickson Professor Carol Rogers Professor Linda Steiner © Copyright by Merrilee A. Cox 2014 Dedication For my mother, Dorothy, my father, Kenneth, and for my husband, Tom ii Acknowledgements A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Lao-tzu , Chinese philosopher (604 BC - 531 BC) The trail winding through this long dissertation process has often felt like a journey of a thousand miles. There were countless moments when I doubted my ability to reach a successful conclusion. But on each of those occasions, someone stepped in to sooth a worried mind, pull me back on track, offer a helpful suggestion, and encourage me to follow the dream. Their generous assistance has allowed me, finally, to arrive at this point. I wasn’t planning to pursue a Ph.D. when I met with former Dean Tom Kunkel in 2006. I simply wanted to talk about adjunct teaching opportunities. He encouraged me to meet with the then-director of the Doctoral Program, Dr. Carol Rogers. Her warm welcome and encouraging words led to a meeting with Professor Maurine Beasley, whose enthusiastic support would become my guiding light through this incredible adventure. Tom, Carol and Maurine are the people most responsible for my being here. My thanks to them for opening a new door, and to the Scripps Howard Foundation for providing a generous fellowship to support my studies. Historical research surely has something in common with detective work. Discovery of one item inevitably leads to a search down half a dozen new trails. For me, this portion of the journey was more accessible, more interesting, and ultimately, more successful because of the gracious assistance of the staff at the Library of iii American Broadcasting, now part of the Special Collections in Mass Media and Culture at the University of Maryland. I am grateful to Chuck Howell, the chief curator for the collection, to Laura Schnitker, and most especially to Michael Henry, who unfailingly guided me through their remarkable holdings. No request was too small … no question, too obscure for Mike’s careful attention. Thank you all. You preside over a hidden gem. Many professors at the Merrill College of Journalism offered guidance, friendship and support. In particular, I am indebted to the late Dr. Lee Thornton who understood the challenges involved when transitioning from the profession to the academy. Lee was a wise and generous friend. I am also deeply indebted to the late Haynes Johnson. I learned so much during the two years I worked with him as his graduate assistant. He was the most generous of mentors and a wonderful counselor. I am grateful to my cohort mates, Matt Bates, Megan Fromm, Sonia Pedrosa Pereira and Lindsey Wotanis. I cannot imagine how I would have survived the early challenges of this process without their support and their friendship. A special thank- you to Dr. Lindsey who became the dearest of friends, and never stopped believing that I could finish this journey. My dissertation committee deserves and will always have my enduring respect and gratitude. Dr. Douglas Gomery is a master historian of the media and culture industries. He retired from active teaching at about the same time I entered the Ph.D. program. How lucky for me that he was willing to endure yet another dissertation process. I am fortunate to have had his encouragement and wise counsel. Dr. Gay Gullickson reminded me, in more ways than she can know, of the joy that comes iv from continuous learning. Her rich knowledge of women’s history is an inspiration, and her willingness to share insight and to stimulate thinking makes her an extraordinary teacher and educator. I’ve already tagged Dr. Carol Rogers as one of those most responsible for my being here today. From the beginning, and throughout this occasionally rocky journey, she has been a steady guide and a continuing source of encouragement. I’m so glad I managed to complete the journey before she rides off into the retirement sunset. I consider Dr. Linda Steiner the “scholar’s scholar.” I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from and study with her. I admire her intellectual curiosity, which seems to know no bounds. Conversations with her were always enlightening. I cannot begin to express adequate thanks to my remarkable adviser, Dr. Maurine Beasley. I could not have made it through this journey without her help. Her reputation as a celebrated and respected scholar of media history is well-known. Her status as perhaps the foremost historian of women in journalism made her the best possible guide for this research. All of my work benefited from her suggestions, her questions and her advice. Professor Beasley seems to have the ability to strike the perfect balance in leading her students through the dissertation process. Her counsel can take the form of a subtle nudge, or, when needed, a more direct prod, but it always arrives with her characteristic attention and enthusiasm. She is a tireless mentor, a generous adviser and an inspirational woman. I am so fortunate to have worked with her. This is the twenty-fifth dissertation that she has directed. Now I can join the select group of her students who are proud to call themselves “Beasley Girls.” v To my family, near and far, I will forever be grateful for your encouragement and your endless patience throughout this long journey. Joan Heaps welcomed my late mother into her home and provided a safe and comfortable place for her during Mom’s final years. Thank you, Joan. Dr. Lisa Smith and Dr. Jeff Smith were a continuous source of helpful advice, and enthusiastic support. My son, Dr. Steven Flammia, kept me focused on the goal. Years ago, he told me I could do this. Neither of us thought it would take this long. My daughter Karen Harriman and her husband Troy have seen, first hand, the challenges that arise in the final stages of this process. They have helped to keep me grounded in these last months and have been unfailing in their support. Valentina Baccetti is halfway around the world, but she and I have travelled parallel paths, and now have something to celebrate together. I am so happy that she has also concluded her doctoral work. Major celebration is definitely in order! Finally, to my husband, Tom Flammia, my deepest thanks for giving me the time and space to run this course. You have endured every step of this journey which sometimes seemed like an endless trek. I know it has been difficult. I know I have tested your patience. Through all the joys and challenges, I have always felt your loving support. Now, here we are. I couldn’t love you more. vi Table of Contents Dedication ..................................................................................................................... ii Acknowledgements ...................................................................................................... iii Table of Contents ........................................................................................................ vii List of Figures .............................................................................................................. ix Chapter 1: Scope and Purpose ...................................................................................... 1 Chapter 2: Literature Review and Theoretical Perspective ........................................ 11 Edythe Meserand in the Literature .......................................................................... 12 Women in Radio in the Literature .......................................................................... 15 The Emergence of News on Radio ........................................................................