Jessica Savitch Gives a Talk at Ithaca College (1975)

Here is some rare footage of then-KYW Channel 3 Eyewitness News anchor-reporter, later NBC News anchor-correspondent, Jessica Savitch giving a talk at her alma mater of Ithaca College in Ithaca, New York.
After an introduction, Jessica explains that she didn't think she'd get to this point and her amazement that she'd done it all in 7 years, then touches on such topics as women in the media, broadcast journalism and its ethics and precepts, her own trajectory at Ithaca over her four years there and after she went out in the world, the nature of the business when she started out at CBS in New York, the prevailing attitudes towards women when she was breaking into the business and even as she was working her way through it, comparisons to brand packagings in stores changing after years, how the news was delivered for decades, her experiences working at KHOU Channel 11 in Houston as opposed to KYW, how it wasn't easy being a "first" in her case, the type of stories covered on a newscast, the status of women in the industry as of that time and stations' commitments (or lack thereof) for women, blacks and other minorities (and a case she brought up on one of whom she says, "he should have had it"), and the case of women in other professions and the conflicts they face,.
After her speech comes the Q&A's on such matters as whether she wants her own station, what she misses out on as an anchor, TV news' search for "star image" and appearance rather than journalistic credentials, the importance of education and of TV news covering people, women's status behind the camera, a TV Guide article about KYW, the role of unions, before she makes closing comments, and the crowd disburses.
"I would like to say that the industry is open to women completely now. I would also like to say that President Ford has come up with a cure to the economic situation, and that the Easter Bunny will be here on Easter..."
Based on a newspaper article, it appears this was videotaped on Monday, October 27th 1975.
This footage was donated to the MCCTv as part of the Savitch Family Collection.
About The Museum of Classic Chicago Television:
The Museum of Classic Chicago Television's primary mission is the preservation and display of off-air, early home videotape recordings (70s and early 80s, primarily) recorded off of any and all Chicago TV channels; footage which would likely be lost if not sought out and preserved digitally. Even though (mostly) short clips are displayed here, we preserve the entire broadcasts in our archives - the complete programs with breaks (or however much is present on the tape), for historical purposes. For information on how to help in our mission, to donate or lend tapes to be converted to DVD, and to view more of the 4,700+ (and counting) video clips available for viewing in our online archive, please visit us at:
www.fuzzymemories.tv/index.php...

[@Jayla60]

Jessica Savitch broke so many barriers in such a short time. A very bright woman who took pride in her work as a reporter and helping other women. Listen to some of her interviews. She was way ahead of her time. I remember when she died in 1983. It broke my heart. She was a role model. After 20 years working in news, I have more respect for her than ever. RIP, Jessica.

[@Ilostmyfob]

agree 100 percent.

[@nickhorgan4349]

the best that ever was. she died when I was 13 and I Never forgot it. she is unforgettable. she was so charismatic. the most charismatic

[@paulwalker1443]

Wow. Powerful speech here. She was one of a kind. What she is talking about here eventually changed the tv news business. Too bad her career was so short.

[@m.e.d.7997]

She had the talent and the beauty!

[@situated4]

Or ... did the talent and the beauty have her? Hmmm??

[@drewhunkins7192]

In the early 1980s she put together an enthralling and spectacular documentary on NFL football, gambling, possible game fixing and the outlaw line. One of the best things I've ever seen on the internet. It's extremely difficult to find online. I've seen it on KZbin only to disappear then reappear then disappear, etc.

[@m.e.d.7997]

Wonderful and relevant speech by Jessica Savitch.

[@brookehanley3659]

Her best look. She looks so attractive here!! And healthy!

[@situated4]

She was very well-spoken. A wonderful American.

[@seanmichael5508]

She is fascinating. I've already heard of her and learned of her death. But I keep watching more videos of her. I love the way she talks. It's like, "She talks, you listen".

[@AJAXKID123]

Sean Ceasar I agree and there seems to be a level of professionalism that you just don’t see these days. I remember her from my childhood and recall finding the way she spoke as being so distinctive. Even used to do a little impersonation, “I’m Jessica Savage!” when my sister and I would play like we were on TV, ha ha. I find her story fascinating and her death horrifying.

[@lindadoucette6850]

I remember Jessica Savitch from the 80s. For many years after her death, every anchor woman was a cheap imitation of her. There has never been anyone in her field like her.

[@michaeljordan6008]

She was terrific.

[@m.e.d.7997]

She looked beautiful in these years.

[@bethdibartolomeo2042]

This is a really great speech (which I'm ironically watching the day before National Woman's Day), it's too bad that pervasive background noise is REALLY distracting. It sounds like someone's heavy breathing or eating chips, but it's probably just the hazards of old-time recording + film age.

[@caroncoache1753]

Jessica what a power house. She did the job and did it well. Barbara Walters what a power house,both were excellent

[@situated4]

Barbara Walters is garbage. Her "legacy" is that shite-show, The View.

[@January.]

Unfortunately, no one today knows about Jessica Savitch and she doesn't get the respect and accolades she deserves.

[@jackdoyle3863]

Very talented, she kicked butt.

[@m.e.d.7997]

These were her Philadelphia days when I believe she was happy. Should have stayed in Philly.

[@Perririri]

Not with all of the violence today!

[@MrCraigblaze]

Thanks for the upload..xd

[@TheDro]

2:45 they look unimpressed lol

[@joeambrose3260]

I saw hotsy totsy in the " crowd "

[@chadsoard500]

She was one tough chick!She worked hard and pushed herself.I think too hard sometimes.....

[@brookehanley3659]

What happened to her?? Maybe National news was too much for her. A shame how her life ended in the early 80's. Seems so together here.

[@jonshecket3010]

46 years and what has changed?

[@joeambrose3260]

I thought there was an audience of 300, she's talking to 7 stoners

[@MediaWatchDawg]

Tough room. o.0

[@DanielSwartfiguer]

This person was an agent of evil.