Rappler’s executive editor, Glenda Gloria, along with two other editors-in-chief, was named the 2023 Laureate for Southeast Asia in the WAN-IFRA Women in News Editorial Leadership Award. Gloria was recognized for her outstanding leadership, editorial integrity, and her significant contribution to society through Rappler. The award ceremony was held during the World News Media Congress in Taiwan, alongside other regional Laureates.
During Gloria’s speech, she expressed gratitude for the award as it recognizes newsroom leaders’ efforts to preserve media independence. She also recognized the challenges leaders face in maintaining relevant journalism in a polluted information ecosystem. Meanwhile, Emang Mutapati, The Voice editor-in-chief, and Lina Ejeilat, 7iber co-founder and editor-in-chief, shared their views on the award for independent journalism, inclusivity, equity, diversity, and responsibility.
Since it was launched in Africa in 2014, the Women in News Editorial Leadership Award has recognized the significant contributions of editorial leaders globally. It later expanded to include the Arab region in 2017 and Southeast Asia in 2021. The initiative aims to highlight the gap in media leadership and representation of women and diverse voices. Moreover, it intends to bring more diverse leadership to the newsroom and promote inclusion and diversity as the core of media business models.
WAN-IFRA’s CEO, Vincent Peyregne, highlighted the importance of diversity and inclusion in media. Women remain underrepresented at the highest editorial roles, which needs to change to give a more inclusive voice to the world’s media. In recognizing the outstanding editorial achievements of these exceptional newsroom leaders, Peyregne hopes to bring light to this gap and promote more diverse and inclusive newsrooms globally.
As the world continues to combat information pollution and maintain a responsible news ecosystem, the WAN-IFRA Women in News Editorial Leadership Award sets a clear example of the impact that positive leadership can have in the newsroom. With this recognition, Gloria, Mutapati, and Ejeilat will continue to lead the charge towards inclusive, responsible, and diverse media worldwide.
