| This study investigated the common leadership traits shared by members of the media elite. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from a sample of 20 elite media leaders from the television, on-line, and print media communities.;Thirty-four common leadership traits associated with members of the elite media community were noted. An additional thirteen common themes among elite media leaders were identified. Key findings were reported in frequency tables. Actual findings revealed that elite television media leaders showed a consensus towards Intelligence, Vision/Goal Setting, Self Confidence, Perseverance, and Curiosity leadership traits. Common themes which emerged from the data included On-The-Job training, the receipt of Encouragement, and building on a Collection of Life Experiences. Data from on-line media leaders revealed that Social Skills, Vision/Goal Setting, Perseverance, Assertiveness/Aggressiveness, and Curiosity were common leadership traits shared by these groups. Common themes which emerged from the data included Finding a Niche, Timing, Self Confidence, and a building on a Collection of Life Experiences. Data from the print media leaders revealed that Intelligence, Social Skills, Self Confidence, Perseverance, Initiative, and Curiosity were common leadership traits shared by this group. Common themes which emerged from the data included having had On-The-Job training, the receipt of Encouragement, and building on a Collection of Life Experiences.;Conclusions for this study embrace the importance of elite media leaders sharing the following: (1) intelligence, (2) an innate curiosity, (3) perseverance, and (4) a collection of life experiences. This study implies important considerations for media organizations including: (1) offering on-the-job training, (2) supplying staff with feedback and encouragement, and (3) becoming familiar with the breadth of life experiences each individual media person brings to the position.;This study was significant to the field of elite studies, media studies, and leadership studies, by enhancing a clearer understanding of the modus operandi of those individuals who have reached elite fame in the media industry. This understanding will work to facilitate other members of the media community in their quest to reach a similar pinnacle. Secondly, this study will be a catalyst for future research in the area of media leadership, and will work as a seminal study to generate further research interest in the field of elite studies, and media studies.;This investigation used multi-method data collection and analysis procedures. Data were obtained through responses from quantitative and qualitative instruments especially designed for this study. Data sources included a literature based ranking instrument and in-depth qualitative interview protocols, grounded in the work of Warren Bennis (1989). Quantitative findings were analyzed by using descriptive statistics. Qualitative findings were recorded using matrix format. |
