NEAR TRUTHS: BLIND SIDES AND BLINDSIDING

Tremendous chatter surrounds one prominent publication’s decision to let clickbait lead the conversation—notably an anonymous op-ed attacking a woman-led company.

After so much passionate dialogue about the importance of diversity in the biz with respect to ethnicity and gender, it was rather appalling to see one of the few female CEOs attacked by the music press. This particular CEO has long been an outspoken champion of diversity inside her company and is very much in the process of dismantling the old (white) boys’ club that had been in place for decades. Though she’s been in the top job for less than a year, she’s working steadfastly to create a more inclusive team. What say we let her get on with it?

That this anonymous hit piece harps on the imbalances she inherited and tries to hang them around her neck—without acknowledging her conscientious work to change the situation—feels like a betrayal by a publication that’s ostensibly dedicated to the sisterhood. There aren’t many female execs leading music companies; why target one of the few just as she’s working to address these very injustices?

This is not at all to say that the trades shouldn’t speak out for positive change—quite the contrary. But if you’re going to publish such a piece, put your name on it. And don’t ignore the honest steps being taken to address the issues you raise and then tell us you know what’s wrong with the business.

Typewriter photo: Mali Maeder