Written by: Liam O'Sullivan

Lynn Sherr: A Pioneer in Broadcast Journalism and Feminism

Lynn Sherr is a renowned American broadcast journalist and author, best known for her work as a correspondent for the ABC news magazine 20/20. With a career spanning over three decades, Sherr has established herself as a trailblazer in the field of journalism, tackling tough subjects and paving the way for future generations of female journalists.

Early Life and Education

Sherr was born on March 4, 1942, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She attended Lower Merion High School in Ardmore and later received a B.A. from Wellesley College. Her early interest in journalism led her to pursue a career in the field, starting as a freelance host at WNET-TV in New York City.

Awards and Honors

Throughout her illustrious career, Sherr has received numerous awards and honors for her exceptional work. In 1994, she won the George Foster Peabody Award, along with producer Alan B. Goldberg, for the 20/20 documentary "The Hunger Inside," which explored the complex issue of extreme anorexia. She has also been the recipient of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America's PPFA Margaret Sanger Award, known as the Maggie, twice in 1989 and 1992, for her outstanding coverage of reproductive rights and health care issues.

Feminist Icon

Sherr is an ardent feminist and has been a vocal advocate for women's rights throughout her career. Along with Jurate Kazickas, she published the Liberated Women's Appointment Calendar and Survival Handbook, an annual publication that ran for ten years, starting in 1971. The duo also collaborated on The American Woman's Gazetteer, a groundbreaking book that listed places in the US where women had featured in historic events. Sherr's contributions to the feminist movement have not gone unnoticed, and she has been recognized for her tireless efforts to promote gender equality.

Notable Works

Sherr has worked on several notable projects throughout her career, including hosting PBS specials and serving as a guest host on the MacNeil-Lehrer Report. She has also written a memoir, Outside the Box, which chronicles her life on and off TV, including her experiences with colon cancer and the loss of her husband to the disease.

Legacy

Lynn Sherr's contributions to the fields of journalism and feminism have left an indelible mark on modern society. Her commitment to telling stories that matter has inspired countless women to pursue careers in journalism, and her advocacy for reproductive rights has helped shape the national conversation around these issues. Sherr's legacy serves as a testament to the power of determination, hard work, and a unwavering commitment to one's principles.