Panel explores feminist journalism from Ms. Magazine to Teen Vogue

For more than 50 years, feminist journalism has helped shape conversations about gender, politics and culture.

Hosted by the Luann Dummer Center for Women, the event “Ms. Magazine to Teen Vogue: Essential Feminist Journalism” featured a conversation between journalist Elaine Welteroth, former editor-in-chief of Teen Vogue, and Dr. Janell Hobson, writer and contributing editor at Ms. Magazine. The discussion was moderated by Minnesota Public Radio journalist Nina Moini.

The evening explored the role of feminist media in highlighting how journalism can challenge dominant narratives while amplifying voices often left out of traditional media coverage.

Welteroth, who made history as the youngest editor-in-chief in Condé Nast’s history during her tenure at Teen Vogue, used the platform to expand the magazine’s coverage of politics, race and gender issues. She emphasized that journalism has always played a role in shaping cultural agendas.

“As journalists, you have the power to shape the cultural agenda … so if you only have a certain type of people represented behind the scenes, you’re only going to continue to see the same types of messages being reinforced,” she said.

The conversation also addressed a long-running debate within journalism about objectivity and advocacy. Hobson explained that feminist publications such as Ms. Magazine have historically embraced advocacy journalism, reporting that openly acknowledges its perspective while maintaining rigorous standards.

Founded in 1971 by journalist and feminist activist Gloria Steinem and a founding editorial team, Ms. Magazine was created to provide a platform for women’s voices and the women’s movement, which were largely absent from mainstream media at the time. Hobson noted that feminist media outlets have long worked to provide language and frameworks to help audiences understand political and social issues.

Beyond the history of feminist journalism, the discussion focused on how media is changing in the digital age. Welteroth spoke about the role of social media in helping journalists build audiences and amplify their voices outside traditional newsroom settings.

“It was my place to curate my own little magazine of my own making,” she said, reflecting on how social media helped her develop a voice early in her career.

She encouraged students in the audience who aspire to become journalists to explore new platforms for storytelling and think beyond traditional newsroom paths.

“If journalism is your passion, just know that there are so many different ways that you can exercise that muscle,” Welteroth said. “It doesn’t necessarily have to come through the traditional path.”

At the same time, both speakers acknowledged the ongoing challenges facing the journalism industry, including economic pressures and shrinking newsrooms.

“It’s a tough business to be in journalism,” Welteroth said.

The conversation also touched on representation in media leadership and the experiences of women, particularly Black women, working in journalism. Welteroth acknowledged the barriers but emphasized progress.

“When you open a door, you build a name for yourself and you create a bigger, wider door for others,” she said.

The event was part of the Luann Dummer Center’s Women’s History Month series. As the event concluded, Welteroth offered a message of encouragement to the next generation of journalists in attendance.

“To be a journalist today, you have to be courageous … people respect that work,” she said.

The conversation served as both a reflection on the legacy of feminist media and a reminder that the future of journalism will be shaped by voices willing to challenge the status quo.

Lizzy Nyoike is a Hubbard School of Journalism & Mass Communication student and contributing writer for the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.