Gender In Journalism: A Study Of The Newsroom Experiences Of Female Journalists In Multimedia Group Limited

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.