Abstract:
This study explored the newsroom experiences of female journalists in Multimedia Group Limited,
in order to ascertain whether gender played a role in the news production practices and to examine
how female journalists in Multimedia Group Limited, experience gender in the newsroom.
Underpinned by the phenomenological theory, the study employed the qualitative research design
that purposively sampled 10 female journalists for an in-depth interview. The data was collected
using a semi-structured interview guide.
The study revealed that, although in the same newsroom, the experiences of female journalists
varied from person to person. This was because of the meaning and perceptions everyone attached
to their experience with a particular issue. The study found that, roles assigned to female journalists
were not based on their gender but based on their capabilities to perform a particular role or task.
Also, female journalists viewed their male counterparts as work colleagues. The study further
found that, gendered practices existed in the newsroom but was minute, however, not to detriment
of the career of female journalists, but for the efficiency and effectiveness in news production. In
addition, the study revealed that, gender roles were implicated in the assignment of news beats
only if the beat covered feminine areas like menstruation, pregnancy, and child-birth
complications.
It is recommended that, Multimedia Group Limited train all staff (both male and female
journalists) on the job to increase their capabilities and efficiency in news production. This will
help reduce and prevent the incidence of gender disparity. Also, female journalists of Multimedia
Group Limited need to be self-motivated to increase their work rate. This will help prevent the
incidence of only hardworking male journalists obtaining the opportunities in the company.
