From Pageants to Primetime: The Trailblazing Journey of Mary Jo West

In the mid-1970s, the world of television journalism was a tough and often unwelcoming place for women. Yet, against all odds, Mary Jo West not only entered this male-dominated industry but also thrived, becoming a trailblazing figure in the process. Dubbed the “First Lady of Television” in Phoenix, Arizona, Mary Jo West’s career is a testament to resilience, passion, and the power of persistence.

Beginning her career as the first female anchor in 1976, Mary Jo broke barriers in a male-dominated industry, earning multiple Emmy® Awards and a Peabody Award for her distinguished work in journalism.

In this episode, Mary sits down with Christina to discuss her groundbreaking career in television, the challenges she faced as a female journalist in the 1970s, and her personal journey through mental health struggles and triumphs. Mary Jo shares inspiring stories from her career, including her experiences covering major events, her work with Mother Teresa, and her ongoing advocacy for mental health awareness.

Breaking Barriers in Television

Mary Jo’s journey into the world of television was far from straightforward. She initially pursued a career in music, studying voice at Florida State University. But fate had other plans. After winning a talent competition in the Miss Atlanta Pageant—a preliminary event for the Miss America Pageant—Mary Jo found herself at a crossroads. The 1970s were a time of great social change, with the women’s liberation movement gaining momentum. Inspired by the shifting landscape, Mary Jo made the bold decision to switch her major from music to journalism, a move that horrified her parents and teachers but would ultimately lead to her groundbreaking career.

In 1976, Mary Jo became the first female anchor in Phoenix, Arizona, a position that would solidify her status as a pioneer in television journalism. However, her early days on the job were anything but easy. Thrust into a newsroom filled with male colleagues who were less than welcoming, Mary Jo had to prove herself every step of the way. Despite the challenges, she refused to give up, determined to earn the respect of her peers and the community she served.

Facing the Challenges Head-On

One of the most challenging aspects of Mary Jo’s career was the pervasive sexism she encountered. In her early days, she was handed a camera and expected to film stories without any prior experience—an expectation her male colleagues did not have to meet. Yet, she persevered, learning on the fly and slowly gaining the respect of her coworkers. However, the resistance wasn’t limited to her immediate environment. She faced blatant sexism from the people she covered, like the sheriff who once condescendingly told her not to report anything negative about him, treating her more like a “sweet little lady” than a serious journalist.

Despite these challenges, Mary Jo’s determination never wavered. Her breakthrough moment came when she was asked to cover a state championship football game in Atlanta. Denied entry into the press box simply because she was a woman, Mary Jo fought back, eventually gaining access and successfully reporting the game. It was one of many instances where she had to assert herself in a world that was not yet ready to accept women in such roles.

A Career of Firsts and Unforgettable Moments

Mary Jo’s career is filled with notable firsts. From breaking barriers as the first woman to anchor a primetime news show in Phoenix to undertaking unprecedented journalistic endeavors, Mary Jo’s journey is marked by a series of firsts that not only shaped her career but also set new standards in the industry.

One of the most significant milestones in Mary Jo’s career was her decision to enter the walls of a local prison to interview convicted rapists for a four-part news series on sexual assault. At the time, the topic of rape was shrouded in silence, with the word itself rarely spoken aloud, let alone discussed in public forums. But Mary Jo, ever the trailblazer, knew that silence was not an option. She believed that bringing these stories to light was essential to educate the public and confront the realities of sexual violence. The series, aptly titled “Rape,” was a bold and unflinching exploration of a subject that many found too uncomfortable to discuss.

The courage it took for Mary Jo to walk into that prison cannot be overstated. She and her videographer were left alone with the inmates, a situation that could have easily gone awry. But Mary Jo’s resolve was unshakeable. She understood that the key to addressing the issue of rape was to hear directly from those who had committed the crimes. Her interviews revealed harrowing insights, including the chilling realization that rape is less about sexual desire and more about exerting control, power, and anger. This series not only earned Mary Jo her first Emmy Award but also played a crucial role in shifting public discourse around sexual violence, making it clear that these issues needed to be addressed head-on, without euphemism or hesitation.

Another career highlight came when Mary Jo was invited to travel down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon with a group of disabled individuals. The trip, which was documented in a piece titled “Take Me to the River,” was the first time the National Park Service had allowed profoundly disabled individuals to navigate the river. The experience was life-changing, both for Mary Jo and the participants, as they bonded over 16 days and 15 nights in the canyon’s rugged terrain. The story was later turned into a documentary, earning Mary Jo yet another award.

The river trip was more than just a journalistic assignment; it was a profound human experience. The group included individuals who were blind, quadriplegic, and terminally ill. The river guides, who had never undertaken such a task, displayed incredible ingenuity and compassion, lifting quadriplegic participants to view the majestic Havasu Falls and helping them navigate the sandy banks when the rafts made camp each night. For Mary Jo, the trip was nothing short of transformative. Over the course of the journey, the participants’ disabilities faded into the background, and what emerged was a deep sense of camaraderie and shared humanity. The documentary that resulted from this trip not only won awards but also touched the hearts of all who watched it, highlighting the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of inclusivity in all aspects of life.

Through these and other career-defining moments, Mary Jo West demonstrated an unwavering commitment to telling the stories that mattered most, even when those stories were difficult or uncomfortable. Her work paved the way for future generations of journalists, particularly women, to tackle tough issues with honesty and integrity. Her legacy is one of courage, compassion, and an unyielding belief in the power of journalism to shine a light on the darkest corners of society.

The Personal Struggles Behind the Success

While Mary Jo’s professional life was filled with achievements, her personal life was marked by significant struggles. Throughout her career, she battled clinical depression, a condition that was exacerbated by the demands of her job. At the height of her career, while covering national political conventions, Mary Jo went without sleep for five days, leading to a manic episode followed by a deep depression. It was a dark time, but one that she eventually overcame with the help of a dedicated psychiatrist and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

Mary Jo’s experience with mental illness has made her a passionate advocate for mental health awareness. She has spoken openly about her struggles, even appearing on Oprah Winfrey’s show to discuss her journey. Today, she continues to offer support and hope to others facing similar challenges, emphasizing that mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of and that help is available.

A Life of Gratitude and Giving Back

In reflecting on her life and career, Mary Jo often speaks about the importance of gratitude and resilience. One of the most profound moments in her life came when she had the opportunity to adopt a baby from Mother Teresa’s orphanage in Honduras. Her child, now a grown woman with children of her own, is a living reminder of the incredible opportunities that can arise from life’s darkest moments.

Even as she nears 80, Mary Jo shows no signs of slowing down. She remains active in her community, volunteering at Phoenix’s Sky Harbor Airport and continuing her work with mental health organizations. She is also involved in international humanitarian efforts, including supporting orphans with HIV in Kenya. Her goal, as she puts it, is to “die on her feet,” continuing to make a difference in the world until the very end.

Lessons for the Next Generation

Mary Jo West’s story is one of perseverance, courage, and the ability to turn adversity into opportunity. For young women entering any field today, her journey serves as a powerful reminder that no obstacle is insurmountable. Whether it’s breaking into a male-dominated industry, overcoming personal struggles, or finding ways to give back, Mary Jo’s life is a testament to the power of determination and the impact one person can have on the world.

As we reflect on her remarkable career and the barriers she broke down, it’s clear that Mary Jo West has paved the way for the next generation of women in journalism—and beyond. Her legacy is one of strength, compassion, and an unyielding commitment to making the world a better place.

Watch her full episode here: