New research by Women in Media and Isentia shows women are still severely under-represented in Australian media which males dominate as authors and particularly as quoted sources or experts in stories. The Women in Media Gender Scorecard examines how women are portrayed in Australian media, featured in the news, and included as sources and experts in their fields. It finds that women account for 43 per cent of bylines written, with men featured disproportionately as 70 per cent of quoted sources and 66 per cent of experts. The research includes data collected in 2016 and 2022 and shows the trajectory to achieve media gender parity won’t occur for more than 10 years unless steps are taken to speed up change. A decade is far too long to wait for equal representation. Women in Media wants to ensure that women are seen and heard in media, and are called on for their leadership and expertise, commenting on issues and sharing their opinions, contributions and reactions as a fair representation of Australian society. The organisation wants to ensure that women are seen and heard in media, and are called on for their leadership and as experts, commenting on issues and sharing their opinions, contributions, and reactions as a fair representation of Australian society. They strive to address gender inequity in the media landscape, empowering women to secure jobs, progress in their careers and thrive at work.
The Women in Media Gender Scorecard monitors the visibility of women as authors, participants, and subjects of news in Australian media. Their objective is to better understand how women are portrayed, what kind of news features women, and how often they are included as experts in their fields. The Scorecard highlights that much work remains to provide gender equity and share of voice for women in, and through, representation in Australian media.
Click here to learn more about the scorecard.
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