The year 2016 continued its awful reign today, shaking and saddening many in the media community with the news that PBS NewsHour co-anchor and managing editor Gwen Ifill passed away at the age of 61 from cancer.
Ifill was much more than a news anchor, becoming a trailblazer and inspiration to so many in the field throughout her career, especially for those who had never or rarely seen themselves represented in the roles Ifill took on. This is how Ifill described her appointment to NewsHour in 2013:
Ms. Ifill, who is black, said that she and Ms. Woodruff were mindful of the broader significance of their appointment. “When I was a little girl watching programs like this — because that’s the kind of nerdy family we were — I would look up and not see anyone who looked like me in any way. No women. No people of color,” she said.
“I’m very keen about the fact that a little girl now, watching the news, when they see me and Judy sitting side by side, it will occur to them that that’s perfectly normal — that it won’t seem like any big breakthrough at all,” she added.
And for many who took to social media to remember Ifill, that image, as well her turns moderating two vice presidential debate and a presidential primary last year, served just that purpose.
She is being remembered and mourned for who she was when the cameras were and weren’t rolling.
“Gwen was a standard bearer for courage, fairness and integrity in an industry going through seismic change. She was a mentor to so many across the industry and her professionalism was respected across the political spectrum. She was a journalist’s journalist and set an example for all around her,” said NewsHour executive producer Sara Just in a statement.
“So many people in the audience felt that they knew and adored her. She had a tremendous combination of warmth and authority. She was stopped on the street routinely by people who just wanted to give her a hug and considered her a friend after years of seeing her on tv. We will forever miss her terribly.”
During a press conference today, President Obama paid tribute to Ifill, saying, “She not only informed today’s citizens but she also inspired tomorrow’s journalists. She was an especially powerful role model for young women and girls who admired her integrity, her tenacity and her intellect, and for whom she blazed a trail as one half of the first all-female anchor team on network news.”
NPR All Things Considered host Audie Cornish movingly described how Ifill had inspired her:
My @PBS friends — I am so sorry to hear of this awful news. This is such a loss. 1/5
— audie cornish (@nprAudie) November 14, 2016
There are those of us who did not even think of doing this work until we laid eyes on #GwenIfill. 2/5
— audie cornish (@nprAudie) November 14, 2016
#GwenIfill started out interning in a Boston newsroom (they didn't make it easy for her). She knocked down door after door 3/5
— audie cornish (@nprAudie) November 14, 2016
Gwen was so smart & poised.When I finally got to meet her I was knocked over by her terrific sense of humor, brilliant smile &generosity.4/5
— audie cornish (@nprAudie) November 14, 2016
Her sensitivity and insight will be sorely missed. Especially now. Having a hard time with this.5/5
— audie cornish (@nprAudie) November 14, 2016
Gwen Ifill was the only journalist in Washington who made every other journalist she met better at their craft and a better person. #RIP
— Nancy Youssef, نانسى (@nancyayoussef) November 14, 2016
Gwen Ifill was a trailblazer, esp. for so many blk wmn journalists who've been doubted & overlooked. We thank her 4 helping 2 pave the way
— Lilly Workneh (@Lilly_Works) November 14, 2016
Heartbroken to learn Gwen Ifill has passed away. She was my hero, a woman who deserved all the praise she received. Honest and true
— Tamron Hall (@tamronhall) November 14, 2016
Gwen Ifill was one of the kindest people I’ve ever met in the press. Also, one of the best. This is too much. https://t.co/1eUOUCZm2x
— Jamil Smith (@JamilSmith) November 14, 2016
No one was more full of heart and encouragement and quick to offer friendship. Gwen Ifill was a treasure. I'm so sad to hear she is gone.
— Savannah Guthrie (@SavannahGuthrie) November 14, 2016
Very sad to learn we have lost Gwen Ifill. Gwen represented the best of broadcast journalism. Our hearts are broken.
— Lester Holt (@LesterHoltNBC) November 14, 2016
I told Gwen Ifill that since HS, I like to stay home on Fridays to watch @washingtonweek. She was horrified & told me to be social & DVR it
— Abby Livingston (@TexasTribAbby) November 14, 2016
Journalists like Gwen Ifill made the path easier for journos like me in ways we can never fully appreciate. So pay it forward in her memory.
— Ari Shapiro (@arishapiro) November 14, 2016
Gwen Ifill was a role model to me and to every woman, especially black women who took up the calling of journalism. Honored to have met her. pic.twitter.com/agHfA1aIQV
— Joy Reid (@JoyAnnReid) November 14, 2016
Gwen Ifill was an American treasure. First rate journalist, lovely person, brilliant woman. She will be missed.
— Touré (@Toure) November 14, 2016
Heartbreaking. @gwenifill was one of the smartest, kindest and most decent people I've ever met #RIP https://t.co/BywDp5NqgW
— Evan Smith (@evanasmith) November 14, 2016
Gwen Ifill was one of the best journalists to ever do it. She'll be missed as we move into a moment where we would have needed her most.
— Clint Smith (@ClintSmithIII) November 14, 2016
God, Gwen Ifill dying. It really is like the universe is kicking everything good and decent in the face.
— Amanda Marcotte (@AmandaMarcotte) November 14, 2016
Saddened by the death of Gwen Ifill, a NY'er, trailblazer, award winning reporter & model of integrity. Thoughts are w/ her loved ones today
— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) November 14, 2016
My heart is broken. Gwen Ifill was one of the greats.
— Jeffrey Goldberg (@JeffreyGoldberg) November 14, 2016
Gwen Ifill was a damn legend https://t.co/KRcV5MsljN pic.twitter.com/EKRdQTIzpj
— Colin Jones (@colinjones) November 14, 2016
2016, you are cruel. https://t.co/ZIuHvZoi26
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) November 14, 2016
We mourn the loss of an outstanding and beloved journalist and friend. Gwen Ifill will be deeply missed.
— John Lewis (@repjohnlewis) November 14, 2016
