By: Samantha Weideman
No one was crying at the Bookworm Friday.
The bookstore, located on 90th and Center streets, hosted a reading and discussion of “There’s No Crying in Newsrooms,” by author Kristin Gilger.
The senior associate dean for the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication described her own experiences in the field of journalism. Over the course of her 20-year career in journalism, Gilger worked at various publications including the Times-Picayune, The Arizona Republic and the Statesman Journal.
Part qualitative research, part anecdote and practical advice, Gilger’s book (co-written by Julia Wallace) shines a light on women in the male-dominated field of journalism and the “quadrupled” expectations they’ve faced—and continue to face—throughout the decades.
Gilger recounted a story from a woman who was groped by a co-worker in a TV control room and after realizing she could, in fact, swear, loudly said, “take your hand off my ass.”
She also read an excerpt from her book that described a woman dissuading Dan Rather from needlessly entering a warzone.
During the Q&A session, Gilger said her favorite experience as a journalist was as the suburban editor at the Times-Picayune in New Orleans from 1983 to 1993.
“That was a great place for news and a wonderful organization at the time,” Gilger said.
To conclude, Gilger signed copies of her book and imparted wisdom to those in attendance. Her next public reading and discussion will take place Oct. 22 at Harvard University with co-author Wallace.
A mug reading “Well-behaved women seldom make history,” and a pack of tissues labeled with Kristen Gilger’s book create an ambiance of witty female empowerment. Photo by Samantha Weideman/The Omaha News 
Author Kristin Gilger points out her husband in the back of the audience. Photo by Samantha Weideman/The Omaha News 
Omaha residents, including a couple of University of Nebraska at Omaha students, listen intently to Gilger’s discussion. Photo by Samantha Weideman/The Omaha News 
Attendees listen diligently to Kristin Gilger’s discussion of women in journalism. Photo by Samantha Weideman/The Omaha News 
Attendees listen diligently to Kristin Gilger’s discussion of women in journalism. Photo by Samantha Weideman/The Omaha News 
Omaha resident Banjo stops by Gilger’s discussion with his owner. Photo by Samantha Weideman/The Omaha New 
Kristen Gilger is senior associate dean at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University. Photo by Samantha Weideman/The Omaha News 
Kristin Gilger reads an account from her book of a woman dissuading Dan Rather from needlessly entering a warzone. Photo by Samantha Weideman/The Omaha News 
Kristin Gilger recounts a story of a woman who was groped in a TV control room and loudly said, “take your hand off my a**,” in response. Photo by Samantha Weideman/The Omaha News 
Kristin Gilger responds to a question regarding the likelihood of a female presidency. Photo by Samantha Weideman/The Omaha News 
Kristin Gilger worked for over 20 years in the journalism field at publications such as the St. Cloud Times, The Times-Picayune and The Arizona Republic. Photo by Samantha Weideman/The Omaha News 
The Gateway’s Editor-in-Chief Kamrin Baker speaks with Kristin Gilger, a former Features Editor for the Gateway, during the signing session. Photo by Samantha Weideman/The Omaha News 
Attendees stand in line to have their copies of “There’s No Crying in Newsrooms” signed by Kristin Gilger. Photo by Samantha Weideman/The Omaha News 
The Gateway Opinion Editor Leta Lohrmeyer shares a laugh with Kristin Gilger and Kamrin Baker. Photo by Samantha Weideman/The Omaha News
