Where are the women? Finding gender balance in the news (The Backstory S3E1)

Where are the women? Finding gender balance in the news (The Backstory S3E1)

Author: WAN-IFRA, World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers May 12, 2020 Duration: 32:26
Often, without even realising it, much of the media we consume is dominated by men. Men’s voices and men’s perspectives account for roughly 75% of the news. Yet, women make up half the population. Research has shown that stories that feature women are more widely read by women. So, why does this imbalance persist and how can news organisations shift how they represent women? Listen to how some have done it, with tips on measuring the problem, and ways to fix it. In this episode: - Kesewa Henessey (twitter.com/HennessyKesewa), Digital editor for engagement, Financial Times (www.ft.com/stream/4b28a9de-fbd9-43c6-b513-dc0c47fa0109) - Vincent Kahiya (twitter.com/vtkahiya), veteran journalist in Zimbabwe, lead trainer, Women in News programme (www.womeninnews.org/). - Mona Magdy, lead trainer, Women in News programme (www.womeninnews.org/), MENA region. This season of The Backstory is produced in partnership with Wan-Ifra’s Women in News programme, a ground-breaking effort to promote gender equality throughout the news industry. For resources and tips visit Wan-Ifra's press freedom page (www.wan-ifra.org/microsites/press-freedom) and the WIN page (www.womeninnews.org/) The Backstory production team is Andrew Heslop, Mariona Sanz, Colette Davidson and Sarah Elzas, who edited and mixed the episode. Music in this episode: Juparo by Broke for Free (freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_For_Free/Petal/Broke_For_Free_-_Petal_-_05_Juparo)

Ever wonder what really happens before a story hits the front page or goes live online? The Backstory: A media freedom podcast, from the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers, pulls back the curtain on the entire process. It’s not just for journalists and editors, but for anyone curious about the mechanics and the human effort behind the news we consume. Each episode digs into the real-world conditions that shape reporting, moving from abstract ideals to the gritty, daily realities faced by media professionals across the globe. In its current season, the conversation focuses sharply on the pressing state of press freedom, with voices from the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa, and the MENA region providing firsthand accounts. These aren’t theoretical discussions; they are grounded in the challenges of operating in restrictive environments, fighting misinformation, and maintaining integrity under pressure. The dialogue also turns toward constructive paths forward, examining how the industry is adapting and what solutions are emerging. A significant thread running through these talks is the impact of new technologies, including artificial intelligence, and how they are fundamentally altering the future landscape of journalism. By tuning into this podcast, you’ll hear unvarnished perspectives on both the threats to a free press and the innovative resilience defining its next chapter.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 30

The Backstory: A media freedom podcast
Podcast Episodes
Dying to be a journalist (The Backstory S1E1) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:30
We start with the basics: the threats facing journalists worldwide. Too often, journalists put safety aside to “get” the story; editors don’t anticipate the problems that their reporters or their newsrooms can face. How…