Women in media face inequality as men dominate newsroom

Women in media are still vastly under-represented as men continue to dominate newsrooms across the country.

Men account for 70 per cent of quoted sources and 66 per cent of experts in all news stories while female voices are still taking a backseat, according to The Women in Media Gender Scorecard released on Monday.

Women account for 30 per cent of quoted sources and 34 per cent of quoted experts.

Most byline authors are also men, particularly when it comes to prolific areas of the media like sport, which has 82 per cent male authors and a measly 18 per cent women.

When it comes to covering politics, which is also a male-dominated industry, most coverage and storytelling is by men.

About 59 per cent of authors are male, while 41 per cent are women and in finance the stats are similar, with male authors accounting for 63 per cent and 37 per cent being women.

Research partner Isentia analysed 18,346 press, radio and TV news reports over a 14-day period from July 18 to 31 last year as part of the study.

While efforts to achieve gender parity among media organisations has improved, with a 10 per cent upswing in byline share towards women since 2016, male voices are still prioritised.

Women in Media strategic adviser Petra Buchanan said gender inequality was prevalent across the industry.

"This report proves that a gender divide still exists," Ms Buchanan said. "The research shows that the inclusion, portrayal, and projection of women in Australian media has a way to go."

She added that based on its current trajectory, the Women in Media Gender Scorecard will not achieve media gender parity until at least a decade, which is unacceptable.

"That is far too long to wait for equal representation of women as authors, sources and experts in the media. Steps need to be taken now to speed up change."

It comes after a landmark study by non-profit Media Diversity Australia found more than 75 per cent of reporters on Australian television were of an Anglo-Celtic background, despite Australia being a majority migrant nation.

Only six per cent of TV reporters were from an Indigenous or non-European background.

Last year, census data revealed for the first time ever, more than 50 per cent of Australian residents were born overseas or have an immigrant parent.