Need To Know’s Alison Stewart Reponds To Tom Shales

We linked to a review of the new PBS public affairs show “Need to Know” by WaPo’s Tom Shales on Monday.

Today, TVNewser heard from the show’s co-host, Alison Stewart, who wanted to respond to Shales, including his comment that she “looked as though she would have been much more comfortable in [show guest Bill] Clinton’s lap.”

Dear TV Newser,

Since you posted Tom Shales’ crude, crass and sexist comment about me that I’d be “more at home in President Clinton’s lap”– I feel I should respond, for myself and for other hard working female journalists. Mr. Shales’ is certainly entitled to his own views about our program but in most work places it would be simply unacceptable to make this kind of public suggestive insinuation about a colleague. I’m surprised it got by his editors. Jon Meacham and I are really hoping to raise the level of discourse with our new PBS program, “Need to Know.” It’s a new show. We’re the first to admit we have some bugs to work out. And we will. And we welcome constructive criticism but not a raunchy rant.”

Shales has been criticized for his views on women in the media on more than one occasion.

Launch a social media campaign that will build your brand and deliver results in our online Social Media Marketing Boot Camp starting June 7. Speakers include Abigail Cusick (Bravo Digital), Gregory Galant (Sawhorse Media), Alex Leo (Thomson Reuters Digital), Jim Tobin (Ignite Social Media), and many more. Read the reviews.