CNN reporter Carol Costello described the conundrums that women face when they get into the TV news business during a speech at Washington and Lee University on March 12.

Costello said that she believes women have a higher bar to clear than men do and that women are not fighting against sexism as strenuously as they could.

"Although 40 percent of newsrooms are composed of women, that percentage hasn't changed in 10 years, and only 25 percent of news directors are women," Costello said. "When you have 40 percent of newsrooms filled with women, you have to wonder why only 25 percent are in control."

Costello joined CNN in 2001 from WJLA-TV in Washington, where she'd worked five years as an anchor and investigative reporter. Before that, she spent three years at WBAL-TV in Baltimore as an anchor and co-anchor. She began her career as a weekend anchor and reporter for WAKR-TV in Akron, Ohio, and WBNS-TV in Columbus, Ohio. She earned a degree in journalism from Kent State University.

Costello's honors include a 1991 Emmy Award for a special on crack and cocaine, a UPI award, several Associated Press awards and an Emmy nomination in 1993.

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