As a journalist, news junkie, media consultant and a woman, I am thrilled with the news Diane Sawyer will be sitting in the anchor seat at ABC's "World News" next year.  I think the retiring Charlie Gibson is great and the late Peter Jennings was a very hard act to follow.  Still, the prospect of women solo anchoring 2 of the 3 broadcast networks' nightly newscasts is exciting.  Both Katie Couric and Diane Sawyer have earned their spots.  Couric had it tough going in the beginning but her critics have largely been quieted.  It will be interesting to see if Sawyer faces the same type of scrutiny. Remember how Barbara Walters got kicked around back in the day?

Now it's time to give all women more of a voice within newscasts, at the local and network levels. On-air experts come in all ages, sizes, races and genders.  So why do the same experts keep getting all the air time?  You know who I am talking about.  Michael Jackson's death is determined to be drug-related and the same faces are booked to give their opinions.  Many of these guests are TV pros and they often will drop everything when the media calls.  That is hard for a producer to pass up. Still, there are effective ways  for you to reach out to these producers, bookers, editors, reporters and others in the media to offer your expertise.  And a good media consultant can help. Sign up for our free media tips at www.womenmediapros.com