THE VFA PIONEER HISTORIES PROJECT

Betsy Wade

July 18, 1929 – December 3, 2020

“Whatever you do, don’t go at it alone. If you catch yourself out on a limb, you’re going to want someone to hold your hand and catch you before it breaks.’

Journalist and newspaper columnist. Worked 45 years as copy editor, New York Times, 1956-2001. Career began at New York Herald Tribune, women’s section, 1952. Fired later that year when the paper learned she was pregnant. First woman to edit news at New York Times breaking a 105-year-old practice of male copy editing in the news department. First woman editor on foreign copy desk and first woman deputy chief of the foreign copy desk, 1972. Lead plaintiff in landmark sex discrimination lawsuit against New York Times on behalf of its female employees, demanding better pay and opportunities for female staffers, 1974. First woman president, New York Newspaper Guild, 1979. Weekly column in New York Times, “The Practical Traveler,” 1987; collection of columns published as New York Times Practical Traveler Handbook, 1994. Taught classes in public policy and journalism at Hunter College after retirement. Numerous awards, including Pulitzer Prize for meritorious public service in journalism, Pentagon Papers which she helped prepare, 1972. Journalism & Women Symposium fellowship honoring her, Betsy Wade Fund Fellowship, 2014. Lifetime Achievement Award, Silurians Press Club, 2016. Bachelor’s degree, Barnard College, New York, 1951. Master’s degree, journalism, Columbia University, 1952.

Photo. Betsy Wade, New York Times newsroom, 1975.