Sourcing in Current News Media Are Women Left Out More Than Men

Sourcing in the Current News Media

Over the last 50 years, the issue of women in media has been continually brought to the forefront. This is because there is an emphasis on promoting ideas that are relevant to the largest demographics within society. While at the same time, there are discussions on those issues that are germane to specific groups (such as women). The basic idea is to be able to offer a wide range of content, on topics that are of most interest to everyone. However, when you look beneath the surface, it is clear that the majority of content in media is often focused towards men. This is because advertisers and studios are spotlighting the fact that males are earning more money in comparison with their female counterparts. Evidence of this can be seen with a study that was conducted by Economica. They found that over the last several years the pay gap between: men and women have decreased. However, women are generally earning less in comparison with their male counterparts. The below table is illustrating the overall scope of these changes since 1967.

Table 1: Wage Gap of Men in Comparison to Women

Year

Percentage of Earnings to Men

1967

58%

1997

73%

(Rathje)

This is significant, because it is showing how there is a direct link between gender and earnings. In the future, Economica estimates that this gap will decline to 22% by 2030. This is illustrating, how women are playing a more dominate role within society. Yet, it is also highlighting how vast disparities still exist.

As a result, the news media will often have content that will discuss issues that are most relevant to males (based upon this fact). Over the course of time, this means that there are less topics covered that are of interest to women. A good example of this can be seen in a study that was conducted by a Quebec political analyst named Denis Moniere. He determined that after watching 83 evening news cast (to include: the CBC and Radio Canada) that women were under represented by journalists. This is accomplished through interviewing men as experts, who are in positions of power. Commenting about these findings Moniere said, "Women's views were solicited mainly in the framework of average citizens and rarely as experts with the political or economic success stories overwhelmingly masculine. The number of female politicians interviewed was disproportionate to their numbers in Parliament or in the Quebec National Assembly." ("Media Coverage of Women") This is significant, because it is showing how women are continually ignored and stereotyped by the news media. Where, they are seen as less intelligent and unable to form opinions on issues that are important to the national debate.

Rationale

The rationale for choosing this particular topic is to understand how frequently this occurs and the underlying reasons why. Once this takes place, is when I can offer specific insights about the trends and what changes could be taking place in the future. This is when I can see how women issues are being covered in the mainstream press and the way this role is changing.

Research Question

To effectively focus my study, I will concentrate on a number of research questions. This will help me to look at specific aspects of the problem and it will allow me to see the overall patterns that have developed. Below are the different questions that I will be focusing on during the course of our project.

Are the trends changing to reflect women in more positive light in the news media?

Are the transformations a reflection of the shifting views within society?

Have women been changing their image in the media and the roles that they are playing in it?

These different questions are important, because they will help to focus the research on specific aspects of the problem. Once this occurs, is when I will understand what is happening and how the role of women in the media is continuing to evolve.

Thesis Statement

The various questions will help to support or refute the thesis statement of the project which is:

The role of women in society is changing. In the news media, these transformations are occurring slowly because of the dominance of males in the workplace. Once these issues have been addressed, women will have greater amounts of power and influence. This is when the content that is provided will reflect areas that are of interest to them.

To answer this thesis statement I will focus on a number of different aspects of the project to include: the methodology, literature review, the results and the discussion. Once this occurs, is when I will be able to support or refute the thesis statement that has been presented.

Methodology

The methodology that I will be using is based off of an approach called mixed research. This is when you are utilizing a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods to understand what is happening. Quantitative research is when you are focused on specific samples that were taken of the population. This can be accomplished through conducting your own independent study or using the data of others to understand the trends. While the qualitative approach, is when I am looking at other factors that could have an impact on the outcome of a study. This includes examining: the views of respondents, how social attitudes have impacted these ideas, how opinions have shifted and why this is taking place. Once this occurs, is when the mixed methodology will provide a balanced approach in: understanding the problem and how the views of society are constantly changing. (Johnson 112 -- 133) ("Qualitative vs. Quantitative Research")

The way that this will be accomplished is through conducting a literature view and focusing on primary sources. A primary source is data that was collected which has not been subject to any kind of evaluation by a third party. Some of the most relevant information that is a part of this category include: journals, books, government / industry documents and white papers. Once this takes place, is when I can see what the raw data is telling me about the past, current and future trends of women in the media. This is the point that I can be able to make accurate inferences about what is happening that will either support or refute the thesis statement that was presented earlier. ("Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Sources")

Once this occurs, I will examine the results of our finding through what is known as comparative analysis. This is when I will be looking at the information and comparing the results of each source with one another. The basic idea is to be able to understand the overall trends and how they are changing. This is when I can see how this is influencing the views of those who are inside the news media. Anything that does not follow the underlying trends will be disregarded. The reason why, is because this is considered to be an anomaly (as the data is more than likely flawed). ("Comparative Analysis")

The way that I will attain this information is through conducting a review of various government documents, academic journals and books. This will provide a more balanced approach in understanding the scope of the problem and the changes are occurring for the better. This is when I can offer specific insights that will support or refute the thesis statement that was introduced previously. The reason why I am using this kind of an approach is to understand how these changes are taking place and the main causes. Once this occurs, is when I can make predictions about future trends that can be utilized in other research projects.

These different elements are important, because they are showing how my methodology will be focused on taking a balanced approach when studying the problem. As I am using different kinds of research, in conjunction with one another through what is known as the mixed method. Once this takes place, is when I will use comparative analysis to identify and determine how these patterns are changing. This is the point that I can make the most accurate inferences about what is happening by being able to: support or refute the thesis statement along with research questions that were discussed earlier.

Literature Review

In the literature review I will be carefully studying the various sources that were discussed in the methodology section. This will improve my ability to identify the underlying trends and determine how they are changing. Once this occurs, is when these primary sources will help me to see if the data is supporting or refuting the thesis statement.

In the white paper that was written by Keown (2007), she talks about how the majority of Canadians follow national and world politics. Evidence of this can be seen by looking at the below tables. The first one is comparing the total number of men and women that take an interest in political issues. While the second table, is subdividing these areas into age demographics.

Table 2: Canadian Men and Women who take an Interest in Regional, National and World Politics

Demographic

Percentage

Men

91%

Women

88%

(Keown, 2007)

Table 3: The Age Demographics of Canadians and their Interest in Politics

Age Group

Percentage

19 to 24

79%

25 to 44

87%

45 to 64

93%

65 and Older

95%

(Keown, 2007)

These figures are important, because they are showing how women are just as interested as men about political issues. When you look at the various age groups, these trends are similar with younger generations less interested. As a result, this is an indication of how the news media is ignoring particular aspects of their coverage. That are addressing, those issues which are most important to women. (Keown, 2007)

The information from this source is useful because, it is providing me with a basic trend in understanding if women are interested in news related events. This helps me to establish a background about: how men and women know what is going on in the world around them. Once this occurs, is when I can use this data to show how the views of women are not being addressed. This is despite the fact that they have an interest in what is happening. Therefore, the research is looking at specific population demographics in the media. (Keown, 2007)

This is effective in establishing a basic foundation of the views of women in comparison with other demographics of the population. Once this occurs, is when I can begin to illustrate how news organizations have tremendous amounts of interest in areas that are relevant to women. This is when they will see an increase in their popularity and it will ensure that they are providing balanced coverage of national events. It is at this point that I can begin to use this information during the research to establish the changes that are taking place and what steps should be used to address these issues in the future.

The article that was written by Desmond (2009) looks at the role of women in the news media throughout North America. Where, there is an emphasis on if they are playing a part in breaking larger news related events. While at the same time, he is focusing on their impact inside the organization itself. After examining 580 different news broadcasts, he determined that women were given smaller roles inside news organizations. As, the majority will be delegated to roles that involve reporting on: human interest or health related topics. In the case of men, they are given stories that are considered to be of significance to the news organization such as: politics and current events. This is important, because it is showing how men are constantly receiving the best assignments based on their gender. (Desmond 822 -- 829)

However, Desmond did determine that in some cases women will be given major projects if: they have a certain appearance and aggressiveness in going after the facts. This helps them to stand out in the minds of executives, who are interested in raising their ratings. The best way that they can do this, is to have certain women who are: photogenic, young and attractive. They will then have them, give select aspects of the work to men.

For example in an evening news cast, a woman could be one of the lead anchors. Yet, when it comes to reporting the actual story, most of these assignments will be saved for men. As women will play a role by serving as liaison between: other reporters and the viewing audience. This is significant, because it is showing how there is a certain amount of bias towards women in the news media. As, they are expected to: have a certain look and act a specific way before they can receive larger assignments. Once they do this, they are still limited through: being forced to report on stories that are discussed mainly by men and involving women on a limited basis. This gives the news cast the feel that they are taking different viewpoints into account. When in reality, they are not doing this. Instead, there is a focus on the image of the news organization over that of equality. (Desmond 822 -- 829)

The information from this source is useful, because it is discussing specific ways that women are excluded inside a news organization. As a result, this is impacting the kinds of content that is produced with a culture that focuses on topics that are of most interest to men. This helps answer several different research questions that we are studying to include:

Are the trends changing to reflect women in more positive light in the news media?

Are the transformations a reflection of the shifting views within society?

Have women slowly been changing their image in the media and the roles that they play in it?

Once this occurs, is when I can provide information to different support parts of the thesis statement. (Desmond 822 -- 829)

This is effective in showing the past and current trends in the news media. As there are obvious disparities that exist, yet I am carefully examining how these patterns are changing to empower women. Once this occurs, is when I can illustrate the way that this giving them a voice in: the kind of content that is produced and the role that they are playing This is when I can make various inferences that will answer the different research questions. At which point, this will be used to support or refute the thesis statement and as foundation for similar projects in the future.

Moreover, the literature that was written by Strombeck (2009) is looking at two different newspapers (i.e. The Globe and Mail along with National Post). What he found, was that the coverage on women's related issues was rather limited in the past. As the content, that was geared towards women covered nearly 5% of the total stories between the 1960 and the 1980's. However during the last several decades, these figures have been increasing with more women talked about in favorable a more light in both newspapers. As, they have been receiving approximately 18% of the total coverage for the content that is produced. (Strombeck 58 -- 72)

At the same time, the number of women editors and reporters at both news organizations has been steadily increasing. The reason why, is because executives want to have greater amounts of coverage of those issues that are most important to women. As a result, they have been encouraging them to talk about topics that are interest to this demographic of the population. Over the course of time, this has led to an increase in content that is directed towards women. This is significant, because it shows how women are playing an increasingly dominate role inside news organizations. However, the problem is that the pace of these changes has been very slow over the last several decades. This has limited the total amounts of content for both publications towards men. (Strombeck 58 -- 72)

The information from this source is useful, because it is illustrating how there have been improvements inside the Canadian press. The problem is that the overall scope of these transformations has been very slow. As a result, this helps to specifically answer several of my research questions including:

Are the trends changing to reflect women in more positive light in the news media?

Are the transformations a reflection of the shifting views within society?

Have women slowly been changing their image in the media and the roles that they play in it?

Once this occurs, is when I can see how the information is supporting numerous parts of the thesis statement that was introduced earlier. (Strombeck 58 -- 72)

The way that this research will be used in the paper, is to show how women are changing the coverage of news stories in the press. This is because they are becoming more of a voice in local, regional and national politics. Once this takes place, it means that there is a transformation in how women are seen in society and their role in it. This is when there will be equality on a number of different fronts. As a result, this is effective in help to support the thesis statement and to provide a foundation for other projects in the future.

When you step back and analyze the information from the above sources, it is clear that they are showing how women are playing a more dominate role in the news media. Where, they are quickly becoming writers and editors, who are having an influence inside these entities. This is in response to more content that is geared towards women over the last several decades.

However, the problem is that inside the various news organizations there is still a male dominated culture. This means that the content in comparison with female dominated areas is still relatively low. As a result, the underlying pace of these changes is occurring very slowly. This means that on the surface it appears as if nothing is being done to address these issues. Yet, when you look at little further, the true effect of these changes will happen over the course of many years. This is when the impact of these transitions will be felt over the long-term. Once this occurs, is the point that more content will be geared towards women and those areas that are of most interest to them.

Results

The results of our research are indicating that women are under represented inside the news media. This is because of several different factors most notably: male dominance inside the industry and higher standards for those who are striving for success. As far as the male dominance of the sector is concerned, the majority of executives and editors inside news organizations are focused on content that is geared towards the masculine demographic. This is because they are male and these individuals believe that this is what the public is demanding. As a result, they will offer them content that is along these lines. Yet, they will ignore issues and areas that are most important to females. Once this occurs, is when they are helping to indirectly support stereotypes that men are better than women.

That being said, these changes have been happening slowly. This means that women are playing more of a dominate role inside news organizations. As a result, there have been transformations in the kind of content that is provided. Evidence of this can be seen with the increase in women's orientated content between the 1960's and today. As, this amount has risen from: 5% to 18% of all content. This is important, because it is showing how these changes are occurring slowly, with women are increasing their dominance inside these organizations. Over the course of time, this is creating a shift in how they are seen. This is the point that real changes will begin to take place in: the content, programming and personalities of news organizations. (Strombeck 58 -- 72)

At the same time, women have to be aggressive to have any kind of success inside the sector. This is because, many of their male counter parts are expecting them to: do better and more to be seen in a favorable light. Once this occurs, is when they are given important roles. Yet, they are not viewed as experts or as anyone who has some kind of opinion. Where, they are seen as homemakers who: have greater responsibilities and must make some kind of sacrifice for their careers.

A good example of this can be seen with the information that was compiled Gazo (2004). He determined that after comparing the Globe and Mail with the National Post that there is a certain bias towards women. Where, they will take time off of work and will require more benefits in comparison with their male counterparts. This increases the chances that they will automatically be excluded from projects because they may not be available. Once this occurs, is when they are forced to do more to show that they can keep up. This is significant, because it is illustrating why some women are excluded in news organizations. As a result, those who want to be as successful as possible are doing more by: focusing on their careers and following the same rules as males to overcome these challenges. This is helping to provide this population demographic with content that is geared towards their interests. Over the course of time, this has been slowly causing a shift in what topics are covered by women. (Gazo 449 -- 473)

When you step back and analyze these results, it is clear that they are showing how the disparities towards women still exist in the news media. The reason why is because, a culture has developed that views males more favorably. As, they are seen as someone who: is willing to do more and go the extra mile for the organization. This is because men do not have to take time off for their families and they are considered to be someone who will sacrifice for the benefit of the firm.

However, there are women who are willing to do more at the expense of their family to be successful. As, they must outperform their male counterparts and show how they are more dedicated to the organization. Once this occurs, is when they are beginning to have an impact inside these kinds of firms. This is the point that the content and coverage of women's related topics will increase. As a result, there have been changes in the roles that women are playing in these organizations and what areas are discussed.

Discussion

The research that I conducted is indicating that there are a number of factors that are working in conjunction with one another. This is because there are obvious signs that women are not being treated equally, in comparison to men inside news organizations. Where, there is less content that discusses topics that are of most interest to them and there are lower numbers of reporters / editors inside news related entities. This is problematic, because it makes it appear as if women are not making any kind of difference. This makes it appear as if women have less of a voice in public affairs.

However, underneath it all there has been a major transformation inside news organizations. As women are beginning to play an important part, in determining what kind of topics are discussed. This is because, changes have been occurring slowly with many women working their way to higher positions. Over the course of time, this has caused a shift in the kinds of content that is provided to the general public. As a result, there have been transformations in what content is delivered and the role that they are playing in the process. In the future, this means that there will be an increase in reporting on those issues that are most important to women.