Top editor says mentoring brings out the best in journalists: Q & A with Sandra Mims-Rowe, Editor-in-Chief, The Portland Oregonian

In observance of Womenís History Month, News Watch interviews Sandra Mims Rowe, editor of The Portland Oregonian

by Lena-Nsomeka Gomes

Sandra Mims Rowe is editor of Portlandís The Oregonian, the largest newspaper in the Pacific Northwest. Under her leadership, the newspaper won the Pulitzer Prize for explanatory reporting in 1999. In 2001, The Oregonian won the Pulitzer Gold Medal in Public Service and a Pulitzer Prize in Feature Writing. the George Beveridge Editor of the Year Award from the National Press Foundation. The award is funded by the Allbritton Foundation and named in honor of the late George D. Beveridge, a Pulitzer Prize-winning editor. Q: How important do you think mentorship relationships are, especially for women in newsrooms?
A: Extremely important. I benefited by having several mentors along the way. Two men. I didnít realize how important it was until after I became an editor and someone told me how much of a difference I made in her life. Mentors believe in you. Theyíre important for encouragement and corrections and they help you set your expectations high. Q: What are some of the growing pains newsrooms are experiencing as it relates to women reporters and editors?
A: Keeping women in the profession during a certain point in their lives hasnít gotten much easier. This can also apply to men, but it applies more to women. The level of commitment required for individuals in the newsroom is expected to be high. This often causing conflicts for and women their commitments to their families. However, I remember a time when we women wanted it allómarriage, children and success. We thought we could handle all of it and we damned near killed ourselves. I think companies should recognize this and try to create a work place that can deal with all the commitments that women face. Q:Why do you think there are more women reporters than there are editors?
A: It depends how long youíre in the business and whether women are expected to fill the wider range of roles. Part of editing depends on oneís range of experience and competence. I have been a top editor for more than 20 years. I have to say 20 years ago, I thought more women were in the pipeline. But when I look back, I think, good golly, how could it have been so glacial? But in the last five years, I have seen more women as publishers, top editors of small papers, and heads of journalism schools. All kinds of positions of influence. Q: Do you think that women add to the diversity in newsrooms?
A: Of course they do. People with different backgrounds and sensibilities from diverse regions offer broader perspectives and diverse attitudes. Definitely women bring this to the newsrooms Q: What about women of color?
A: I think that is the biggest challenge. If I have seen a shift, it hasnít been enough. Itís sort of a case-by-case shift. I think the news business hasnít provided enough mentoring. They offer crummy pay and benefits. Newsrooms have not done enough to diversify their environment. But I must say that in our internship program, in white-bread Portland, we have 50 percent top-notch people of color. Q: What does receiving the George Beveridge Editor of the Year Award tell you? What does it mean?
A: Itís always wonderful for the editor of a paper to have their paper recognized. The National Press Foundation does fabulous work. Itís an honor to be recognized by oneís peers and to be reminded how well known and respected the Oregonian is. There are many people working here who are responsible for our success. Q. What can you tell women who are aspiring journalists? What will you warn them about and what encouragement can you give them?
A. Pick a boss. Really know whom youíre going to work with. Work with someone who will challenge you and help you become better at what you do. Pick someone who will believe in you.