Ita Buttrose named Women in Media national patron
Ita Buttrose AC OBE, chair of the ABC, has been named the national patron for Women in Media. Additionally she will be a keynote speaker at the Women in Media national conference later this year.
The announcement:
Women in Media is thrilled to announce that Ita Buttrose AC OBE has accepted the role of national patron, effective immediately, providing her support to the not-for-profit organisation, developed by and for all women working in media throughout Australia.
“We are immensely proud that Ita Buttrose has chosen to support Women in Media,” says Anita Jacoby AM, Women in Media co-chair. “Ita is an icon and inspiration to generations of Australian women. A pre-eminent journalist, media industry powerhouse and trailblazer for women, her patronage will greatly assist Women in Media’s efforts to improve diversity, equality and inclusion for all women in the media sector.”
Ms Buttrose said: “I welcome the opportunity to encourage women to make the most of their talents as they pursue careers in the media. I was 11 years old when I made the decision to become a journalist. It’s a decision I have never regretted. All the good things in my career have been through journalism. I’ve enjoyed them all – I still am.’’
Ita Buttrose AC, OBE is chair of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). During her distinguished media career, she has held executive and editing roles for major Australian media companies including Australian Consolidated Press, News Ltd and Fairfax, and has run her own media company, Capricorn Publishing.
Ita was the founding editor of Cleo, the youngest ever editor of The Australian Women’s Weekly, the first woman to ever edit a major metropolitan newspaper in Australia as editor-in-chief of the Daily and Sunday Telegraphs, and the first female director of News Ltd Australia. She has hosted primetime shows on radio and television.
Ita has served on the boards of Australian Consolidated Press, News Corp Australia, and Television & Telecasters Pty Ltd. (Network TEN). She has worked in print, radio and television and has written 11 books. She was inducted into the Australian Media Hall of Fame in 2017.
Ita is a founding member and former president of Chief Executive Women. She served as National President of Alzheimer’s (now Dementia) Australia from 2011- 2014 and is now the organisation’s Patron. She has been Patron of the Macular Disease Foundation since 2005 and is Emeritus Director of Arthritis Australia, having served as President from 2003-2006.
In 2019, Ita became a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) for her service to the community through leadership in the media, the arts, the health sector and as a role model. She was made an Officer of the Order (AO) in 1988 for her services to the community especially in the field of public health education when she spearheaded Australia’s HIV/AIDS Education Program. She has received an OBE for her services to journalism and a Centenary Medal for business leadership.
As patron of Women in Media, Ita Buttrose will give the keynote address at the 2023 Women in Media national conference, to be held for the first time in Sydney on September 8-9. Ms Buttrose will headline an impressive speaker line-up of new and veteran media professionals to discuss career moves, industry trends and visionary insights. This two-day event is open to all members of the media industry.
Early bird discounted tickets are on sale now at: womeninmedia.com.au. with the full program, speakers and special guests to be revealed soon.
Source: Eck Factor
