Painter’s breakthrough as columnist earns APSE applause

 

By Rachel George, Orlando Sentinel

Jill Painter’s first column took three months to write, an investigative piece that caught the eye of one of her editors. Michael Anastasi told her then that she had a talent for column writing, an idea that hadn’t occurred to Painter after covering several beats at the Los Angeles Daily News.

Several years later, Painter’s columns took first place in the 2010 APSE Writing Contest in the 75,001-175,000 circulation category. As Anastasi tabulated the results, he found it neat to see that his former employee had won.

“She’s a really hard-working journalist, so to see her have that kind of breakthrough and receive that kind of recognition made me really happy,” said Anastasi, who is now the managing editor for sports, features, & production at the Salt Lake Tribune and APSE president.

Painter’s first APSE award came with an overwhelming response at the convention in Boston. Sally Jenkins of the Washington Post had won the over-175,000 category, marking the first time in APSE history that women claimed the column writing awards in the biggest circulation categories.

When that fact was announced, Painter received a standing ovation with her family in attendance. With her 8-year-old cousin sitting in her lap, she didn’t stand to acknowledge it but said it was special nonetheless.

“I was so overwhelmed,” Painter said. “I didn’t know what to do. I’d never had a standing ovation before.”

Paola Boivin of The Arizona Republic also placed in the top five of the largest category. The success of female columnists this year is part of an evolution for women in the profession, Painter and Anastasi said.

With the 2010-11 APSE Racial and Gender Report Card showing women making small gains in the percentage of positions they hold in sports departments, as well as in columnist positions, it was a testament to the opportunities women have received in the profession.

“It was amazing to me to be part of a first of something,” Painter said. “I feel like so many trails were blazed in the three decades or so, even longer, before I came along.

“The fact that women are still making inroads I think is really neat.”