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By Eileen Armas, Director of Sales at WTIC in Connecticut<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The first women Governor in Connecticut, Ella T. Grasso, was a determined and fearless leader that battled many storms, literally and figuratively. In fact, President Carter referred to Grasso as \u201cone of the most prominent women in this country; she had great strength, skill, and when required, toughness.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As an amazing, dedicated Connecticut public servant, she began her political career in 1952 when she was elected to the Connecticut General Assembly. In that role, she became the first woman elected Floor Leader. In 1958 Ella was elected as Connecticut\u2019s Secretary of State. She served in that role until 1970. In 1970 and 1972, she was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n She was elected the 83rd Governor of Connecticut in 1975. She was the first woman to hold a state governorship based only on her own merits. During her two-term run as Governor, she faced budgetary issues, a gas shortage, and a major blizzard. She served Connecticut until she was forced to resign over health issues in 1980. She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Ronald Reagan. In addition, she was a member of the National Women\u2019s Hall of Fame.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Grasso\u2019s legacy and the memory of a strong female are still alive and well today at <\/span>TEGNA\u2019s FOX61 in Hartford<\/span><\/a> (WTIC-TV). That\u2019s because WTIC-TV Hartford was originally going to be launched in 1984 as WETG-TV in her memory. Although ultimately, the station went on the air as WTIC, they celebrated Grasso\u2019s memory at sign-off every night with clips of her at work while playing the Star-Spangled Banner. The daily sign-off ended with a mention that the station was dedicated to Grasso\u2019s memory.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As the station\u2019s Director of Sales, it\u2019s exciting to think that the origins of our station were dedicated to a strong female public servant and mother. It motivates us all to pursue our dreams and impact our communities. Beginning with the inspiration of Ella T. Grasso to today, the women employees at WTIC\/WCCT are very impactful on our daily operations and successes.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The station has had many strong female leaders in its past and present. Current female leaders include myself; Kristin Payne, HR Business Partner; Lucia Suarez-Sang, Director of Digital Content; Elizabeth Salvatore, Community Marketing Manager; and Local Sales Managers Janet Robinson and Michelle Mulligan.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In celebrating Women\u2019s History Month, this quote from the late Grasso exemplifies its meaning:<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWomen are a powerful component of society, and they should use their power to secure legislation, programs, and employment opportunities that are responsive to the needs of women. Women have an abundance of talent, experience, and judgment. It\u2019s vital that these rich resources are fully utilized in government and our political system.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n We as women can use this quote as inspiration to fuel our motivation to maximize our contributions to our businesses, towns, states, and country.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n A commitment to a diverse employee population is essential. TEGNA has made that commitment.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThe initiatives we began implementing in 2020, with input from our D&I Working Group, have put us on a solid path to reaching our long-term goal of ensuring all TEGNA stations and business units are as diverse as the communities we serve,\u201d says Grady Tripp, TEGNA\u2019s Chief Diversity Officer.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This diverse employee population gives us insight into reaching and engaging with a diverse audience. TEGNA\u2019s commitment to engaging with a diverse audience through our station\u2019s local news and community outreach continues to drive broadcast viewership.<\/span> According to a 2023 TVB study<\/span><\/a>, viewers spend almost double the time with broadcast TV (3:37)\u00a0 compared to cable TV (1:54). Our ability to target and deliver on your brand\u2019s desired audience will drive success. Advertising in trusted TEGNA content aligns your brand and drives results.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\u00a0<\/span>WTIC\u2019s Women\u2019s Connection to Grasso<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
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What Does This Mean for TEGNA\u2019s Advertising Partners?<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n
Sound Good?\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n