I enjoy introducing students to the life and work of Nellie Bly. Her brave, creative and attention-getting escapades as a reporter for the New York World help to enliven my “history of journalism” lectures. Bly is perhaps best known for her record-breaking trip around the world in 72 days and for faking insanity so she could report on the horrifying conditions of mental institutions. In the late 1880s She helped launch investigative journalism.
Women who may owe a debt to Nellie Bly are receiving accolades this week (Wed. Oct. 21) at the 26th Courage in Journalism Awards in New York City. The awards are part of the International Women’s Media Foundation’s (IWMF) celebration of women who overcome threats and oppression to speak out on global issues.
This year’s winners are Mwape Kumwenda, a reporter for Muvi Television in Zambia; Anna Nemtsova, a contributor for The Daily Beast and Newsweek in Russia; Lourdes Ramirez, a freelance journalist in Honduras; and Linda Deutsch, a special correspondent and trial reporter (retired) for the Associated Press.
These women followed the trail blazed by Nellie Bly as they fought for justice and equality in the newsroom. You may read about their impressive accomplishments at the International Women’s Media Foundation website.
Nellie Bly spent her life fighting to cover important stories and competing with male reporters. In her book, Around the World in 72 Days, Bly writes about her struggle to convince editors to send her on the around the world assignment.
“‘It is impossible for you to do it,’ was the terrible verdict. ‘In the first place you are a woman and would need a protector, and even if it were possible for you to travel alone you would need to carry so much baggage that it would detain you in making rapid changes. Besides you speak nothing but English, so there is no use talking about it; no one but a man can do this.’ ‘Very well,’ I said angrily, ‘Start the man, and I’ll start the same day for some other newspaper and beat him.'”
It’s reported Bly wrote her newspaper column right up until her death from pneumonia in 1922. The day after her death the Evening Journal carried a tribute to the pioneering reporter, declaring Nellie Bly “The Best Reporter In America.” That’s the best reporter in America–not the best female reporter–just the best.