Nancy Bates (journalist)
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Nancy Bates | |
|---|---|
| Born | 3 March 1948[1] |
| Occupation | Journalist |
| Known for | Second female editor of a daily Australian newspaper[1] |
Nancy Dawn Bates OAM (born 3 March 1948) is a New Zealand-born Australian community advocate and retired journalist. She was the second woman to be appointed editor of a daily Australian newspaper, serving as editor of the Fraser Coast Chronicle in Maryborough, Queensland, for 21 years.[1][2]
Her journalism career began at the age of 16 when she obtained a cadetship with the Bay of Plenty Times in Tauranga.[1] After spending three years at the paper, Bates commenced a three-year stint at Rotorua Daily Post in Rotorua before relocated to Australia in 1970 to take up a position as a general news reporter at the Maryborough Chronicle which later changed its name to the Fraser Coast Chronicle.[1]
Throughout her time at the Fraser Coast Chronicle, Bates worked her way up through the ranks and served as the chief sub-editor and then chief of staff before being appointed as the newspaper's editor in 1988.[1]
Bates is credited with helping the newspaper achieve its highest circulation growth despite the general trend of decreasing circulation.[1]
As editor, Bates also coordinated a project which saw the language of the Butchulla people, the traditional owners of the Fraser Coast, incorporated into the newspaper.[1]
After almost 40 years with the same newspaper, Bates retired from journalism in July 2009.[1]
After announcing her retirement, state premier Anna Bligh paid tribute to Bates in the Queensland parliament, describing Bates as a "trailblazer" as well as a "passionate champion of the Fraser Coast".[2][3]
Upon her retirement, Bates recalled a memorable incident in which she was accused of homophobia despite being an ardent supporter of the LGBTIQ+ community.[2] It arose from a tense interview she conducted with the gay owner of a private education college for international students which was being established in Maryborough.[2] The incident culminated in a float in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade being dedicated to Bates, called "Nancy No Pants".[2]
