Best known for her role as editor-in-chief for The Source, Kim Osorio visited Newhouse this thursday to talk with students about music journalism and this predominately male-dominate industry. After graduating law school, Osorio became a free-lance writer, writing about a very unique culture: hip-hop. Eventually securing a job at the noted music magazine The Source, also known as the “hip-hop bible,”Osario worked her way up in the industry and became the first, and only, female editor-in-chief for the magazine. However, it was also during this time that Osorio quickly learned that females in this field are presented with many obstacles.
While working at The Source between 2000 and 2005, Osorio filed a case against the magazine for gender discrimination and sexual harassment, among other charges. The law suit was filed after Osorio was fired for filing a complaint about gender discrimination and sexual harassment in the workplace. Following the lawsuit Osorio understood the difficulty of moving forward; many claimed she would be blackballed. However, a person, who Osorio left anonymous during the interview, reassured her that she would always have a job. Like most, Osorio thought this was an absurd statement. In such a competitive field, especially one that is male-dominated, it is clearly not easy to find any job. It wasn’t until this person told her what a unique skill she had, a skill that would always guarantee her a job, that she understood what an asset she truly was. Writing–a skill many of us have, a but a talent most lack. According to Osorio’ interviewer, “a strong writer will never go hungry.” It was at this point during the talk that I became completely captivated. Aspiring to be a great writer myself, it was inspiring to hear someone discuss “the power of the pen,” or rather the power of words.
Talking about the “power of the pen” brought up another controversial issue within the journalism industry: the fact that it is no longer a pen we use but a keyboard. Journalism is a rapidly changing field in which digital media is taking over. To many, this means that journalism is a dying field. Contrary to this opinion, like Osorio, I believe it is a growing field. While most magazines and newspapers no longer produce a print edition or have reduced their print issues to quarterlies rather than monthlies, the need for journalist has not diminished. With the increasing list of media platforms, more journalists are needed, and even who is considered to be a journalist has changed and expanded. According to Osario, bloggers are the new journalists in this “game.” Information is so “give it to me now,” as she puts it, that we are no longer willing to wait a month, a week, or even a day to receive the latest news. Because of this increasing demand for breaking news, there is no time to add “pretty” words. Articles quick, short and to the point. But most importantly, Osorio discussed the concern about providing accurate, concrete journalism. With such a rush to get news out, mistakes and errors are often overlooked. I believe is is our job as future journalists to address this issue and provide a higher quality news in such a demanding and altering field.
Overall, I greatly enjoyed listening to Kim Osorio. She touched based on so many pressing issue in the field of not just music journalism, but journalism as a whole.