Abstract
Women journalists face many challenges in the field of media, and their jobs in newsrooms, their views on the media, and the nature of their work have all been studied for a long time by many scholars. Numerous studies have explored varied issues in the journalism profession, such as the underrepresentation of female journalists in newsrooms, gender discrimination, the glass ceiling, and the patriarchal structure of the industry, etc. Despite the established pattern of media ownership, women journalists have significantly impacted the media landscape. Their struggle to enter and establish themselves in journalism has been extended. Women formally entered the field in the 19th century in various countries, including Britain. During this era, newspapers recognized the importance of financial considerations and advertisements. As a result, they strategically decided to engage women to write women’s sections to appeal to female readers as potential shoppers. Historically, women journalists were predominantly restricted to writing for women’s sections and covering social issues, frequently focusing on light-hearted and humorous matters.
Introduction and background of the study
Women journalists face many challenges in the field of media, and their jobs in newsrooms, their views on the media, and the nature of their work have all been studied for a long time by many scholars. Numerous studies have explored varied issues in the journalism profession, such as the underrepresentation of female journalists in newsrooms, gender discrimination, the glass ceiling, and the patriarchal structure of the industry, etc.
Despite the established pattern of media ownership, women journalists have significantly impacted the media landscape. Their struggle to enter and establish themselves in journalism has been extended. Women formally entered the field in the 19th century in various countries, including Britain. During this era, newspapers recognized the importance of financial considerations and advertisements. As a result, they strategically decided to engage women to write women’s sections to appeal to female readers as potential shoppers. Historically, women journalists were predominantly restricted to writing for women’s sections and covering social issues, frequently focusing on light-hearted and humorous matters. This restriction stemmed from the prevailing belief among male editors that women journalists lacked the necessary reporting skills. (Chambers et al., 2004).
The struggle of women journalists in American society spanned the 19th and 20th centuries and can be divided into two phases. In the early 19th century, the first phase saw significant social, economic, and political changes for women in Europe and America. These changes encouraged many women to enter journalism despite widespread criticism that it was unsuitable. The second phase, in the late 19th century, was marked by the advent of New Journalism in American society, which further transformed the landscape for women journalists. The second phase was characterized by the emergence of new journalism in American society in the late 19th century, which profoundly impacted the environment of women journalists (Chamber et al., 2004).
In 1883, Joseph Pulitzer introduced a dedicated women’s page in the New York World newspaper, recognizing the economic influence of women and the potential to attract readers through sensational writing by women journalists. The advent of radio and television further expanded opportunities for women in journalism. Although women’s contributions to early radio were minimal, their roles grew as radio became a trusted information source. By the late 1930s, 40% of Americans had radios, giving women more opportunities in various roles and programs. By the 1940s, women held significant positions at four major U.S. radio networks, such as Directors of Education and Public Welfare Programs. (Hilmes, 2018).
In South Asia, the situation for women journalists remains challenging. No country in the region boasts a rich history of women’s careers in media or women’s rights in general. Female journalists need help gaining recognition and can seldom achieve leadership roles within media institutions. In 2001, the International Federation of Journalists documented that 38% of journalists globally were women—however, only a few occupied influential roles, such as editors-in-chief or publishers. Women are more prominent in positions like announcers, presenters, and reporters, especially in radio and television.
According to International Media Support, 2014, women continue to face marginalization in the media industry despite its claims of gender equality. Their contributions have often been overlooked, stemming from the dominant political and industrial cultures. The underrepresentation of women in key media positions leads to less focus on women’s issues and limited opportunities for women’s voices to be heard. In Northeast India, female journalists are often excluded from conflict reporting due to stereotypes about their physical strength and resilience. Such gender disparities in journalism are evident elsewhere, such as in Myanmar, where the scarcity of women reporters results in women’s issues being underreported and their realities going unacknowledged (Kabi et al., 2019).
Media work is challenging for all, but women journalists face more difficulties than their male counterparts. They must deal with unfair treatment at work, being assigned jobs based on their Gender, lousy working conditions, and abuse. Assam’s women journalists face several personal, professional, and structural problems that are only sometimes covered. Identifying the factors that enable women to perform their duties as journalists is essential (Chakraborty et al., 2015).
Female journalists have substantially impacted the media sector by covering essential events and promoting gender equality and social justice. Although there has been some recent advancement, they continue to encounter obstacles such as gender bias, intimidation, mistreatment, and insufficient presence in positions of authority. These obstacles impede their capacity to progress and have their voices heard. However, women journalists make a distinct and valuable contribution to news coverage by encouraging diversity and inclusiveness. Examining women journalists’ opportunities and problems in the media sector is necessary (Dhiman, 2023).
Literature review
• North (2016) discusses the gendered allocation of news stories and emphasizes the ongoing problem of vertical segregation in the news media. It refers to the underrepresentation of women in critical editorial positions. Furthermore, there is a notable issue of horizontal segregation, which refers to the gender-based divisions in reporting chores, that continues to be a serious concern. A recent comprehensive survey of female journalists in Australia highlights this issue. In the past, just one further limited industry survey conducted in 1996 examined the specific topics covered by female journalists in Australia and explored the consequences of gender-based inequality. • Ross and Carter (2011) emphasize the persistent problem of masculine bias in newsrooms, as decisions regarding what is considered newsworthy are driven by values centred around males. It frequently leads to the marginalization of women’s issues, giving preference to the perspectives and opinions of men in the labour force. By 2000, the International Labour Organization expected this would continue to perpetuate women’s subordinate status as citizens. Utilizing data from the UK and the Republic of Ireland as part of the 2010 Global Media Monitoring Project (GMMP), which included 108 nations, the authors observe certain advancements in portraying women in news media from 1995. Nevertheless, they contend that women’s perspectives, experiences, and knowledge continue to be underestimated in comparison to men’s, thereby diminishing their impact on social, economic, and cultural realms and consequently harming democracy. • Sasikala and Radha (2013) discussed that women’s involvement in the workforce has consistently grown since World War II. By the 1990s, women made up one-third of that women would constitute half of global workers. The feminist movement of the 1980s saw women entering traditionally male-dominated fields. Despite progress, women still face discrimination, especially in creative and decision-making roles, due to male domination. A study in Chennai surveyed 60 male and female journalists to understand their challenges. Findings show mixed views on the profession’s impact on family life and support for workplace concessions for women. Transport facilities were deemed necessary, and women were recognized for handling significant reporting issues without discrimination. • According to Sasikala (2015) women in India initially had little impact on journalism, even though they joined the field in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. You will find many more female editors, columnists, and news hosts. A growing number of women have entered the field of journalism in the last decade, challenging long-established gender norms and opening doors to previously inaccessible beats. Using a purposeful random sampling technique, researchers in Chennai surveyed 60 male and female journalists from various print and digital outlets to assess their working circumstances and suitability for the media industry. According to the results, women journalists encounter very little bias, hold positions of decision-making authority, and see sufficient coverage of women’s issues in the media. • Pathak et al. (2018) point out that the media industry is distinct from others, demanding extensive time, strict deadlines, fieldwork, breaking news pressure, and high-quality content. It requires wholehearted dedication and is challenging, with increased pressure by rank. Difficulties exist for female and newcomer journalists (Pathak et al., 2018). This study delves into female journalists’ possibilities and obstacles using qualitative research methods such as focus groups. It concludes that gender bias, safety issues, irregular hours, high pressure, job insecurity, limited maternity leave, and societal patriarchy often force women to leave or switch fields. • Ogundoyin (2019) emphasizes that women journalists in Nigeria encounter numerous challenges despite the esteemed status of journalism. This study, rooted in feminist muted group theory, explored these challenges through surveys and interviews with 120 women journalists across selected Nigerian media outlets. Findings revealed issues like abuse, sexual harassment, and marital strain due to demanding work schedules. Additionally, women often need more opportunities than their male counterparts, such as being assigned fewer challenging roles. Recommendations include combating stereotypes, supporting work-life balance, and empowering women with more substantial professional roles to enhance their confidence and career progression. • Ali and Nawaz (2017) state that female journalists’ challenges, roles in newsrooms, and views on media and their profession have long been researched. Studies highlight issues like visibility in newsrooms, gender discrimination, the glass ceiling, and patriarchal structures in journalism. However, many must pay more attention to how female journalists perceive these challenges and their career prospects. Understanding their attitudes toward overcoming these challenges is crucial. Surveys reveal that female journalists maintain a positive outlook on journalism as a career despite obstacles. • Chakraborty and Goswami (2015) highlight that journalism is a vital institution in democratic societies, yet it remains predominantly male-dominated despite the presence of many women in communication careers. The media field poses challenges for all, but women journalists face additional hurdles such as unequal status, discriminatory duty assignments, poor working conditions, and exposure to abuse. These often-overlooked issues underscore the need to identify factors enabling women journalists to fulfill their roles effectively and formulate policies supporting their professional advancement.
Research gap
Numerous studies have been conducted on the difficulties encountered by female journalists worldwide, particularly in Northeast India and Assam. However, more research needs to be done on female journalists who work in the newsrooms of various media outlets in Guwahati to understand the real issues or challenges faced by women journalists.
Statement of the problem
Journalism is a crucial component of any democratic society and is recognized as an institution. Despite the presence of many women in communication careers, there is a notable lack of women in hardcore journalism, making the field predominantly viewed as a ‘men’s sphere.’ The objective of this study is to analyze the situation of female journalists in the newsrooms of media organizations in Guwahati. The study intends to contribute to the nation’s advancement by promoting and enhancing the position of women in the media field.
Research questions
(a) Are women journalists’ views given equal importance to male journalists in newsrooms and media houses in Guwahati? (b) Do women journalists form a part of the decision-making team in the newsrooms of the media organizations in Guwahati?
Objectives
(a) To understand the role of women journalists in Guwahati (b) To analyze the status of women journalists in the newsrooms of media organizations in Guwahati
Methodological approach
The study used a mainly quantitative method, conducting a survey as a tool to learn the perspectives of the journalists working in six selected prominent media organizations on the role of women journalists in Guwahati. Both primary and secondary data were utilized to understand and analyze the objectives of the study. A Google questionnaire was developed and shared with the respondents for this purpose.
Theoretical framework
The study is rooted in feminist theory, which extends the principles of feminism into theoretical, fictional, and philosophical discussions to explore the nature of gender inequality. The present research examines whether female journalists hold equal status as male journalists in the newsrooms of various media organizations in Guwahati.
Feminism is the view that women should have full rights in society, the economy, and politics. It grew out of Western traditions that limited women’s rights, but it can be seen worldwide in many ways. Mary Wollstonecraft (1759–1797) was one of the first feminist writers in the liberal tradition. She is often seen as the founder of modern Western feminist thought.
Feminist theory includes many different ideas, just like women worldwide are different. It goes against traditional philosophy by suggesting new ways to deal with problems that touch all people. It also calls for ending the patriarchal order and creating a system that values justice, equality, and fairness. Feminist theory says that women should not be beneath men and should not be respected only by men, like housekeepers, mothers, prostitutes, or servants. It suggests that our world’s disciplines, systems, and structures could be improved by incorporating a feminist perspective. Beyond being a set of ideas, feminist theory establishes an agenda for action aimed at achieving justice and equality for women everywhere, as well as for the men and children connected to them.
Survey design and aim
The experiences of female journalists in the newsroom were analyzed qualitatively and statistically using an online survey of male and female journalists from six well-known media firms in Guwahati. The six selected media organizations included- The Assam Tribune, Pratidin Group, Prag News, DY365, GPlus, and NKTV. This article offers a quantitative summary as a baseline for further research—the survey, conducted in July 2024, aimed to determine perceived gender discrimination at work. Respondents answered nine close-ended questions and shared their views and suggestions regarding the status of women in newsroom environments at the end of the questionnaire. Twenty-nine journalists from the print, television, and digital news sectors responded. The questionnaire, distributed via WhatsApp, explained its goals and encouraged participants to share it with colleagues in the selected organizations. Although an exact response rate is unattainable, it is estimated that the survey may have been forwarded to an additional 100 journalists, resulting in an approximate response rate of 29%, which exceeds contemporary expectations for WhatsApp-administered surveys. A study by Manfreda et al. (2008) says that 22% of people who respond to online media surveys do so. The list was made to be fair, including news outlets from a range of platforms. For this study, reporters, feature writers, editors, news anchors, directors, station chiefs, and section editors were taken in to consideration and the people who work as magazine reporters or blogs were omitted intentionally.
Data analysis and findings
(1) The study revealed that 65.5% of female journalists and 34.5% of male journalists from six media houses in Guwahati responded to the survey (Figure 1). (2) The study reveals that 62.1% of the participants are between 30 and 40 years old, while 27.6% are between 20 and 30. Additionally, 7.3% of the respondents are journalists aged between 40 and 50, and 3% are between 50 and 60. (Figure 2). (3) According to the chart, 34.5% of respondents are from GPlus, 27.6% from Prag News, and 17.2% from DY365, followed by 6.9% each from Pratidin Group, The Assam Tribune, and NK TV. (Figure 3). (4) The study revealed that 65.5% of the respondents said that there are more male journalists than female journalists in the six media organizations in Guwahati. However, 34.5% disagreed with this statement. (Figure 4). (5) The survey reveals that 75.9% of the participants disagree that male news values predominantly influence journalists’ everyday decisions on newsworthiness, while 24.1% agree. (Figure 5). (6) According to the study, 72.4% of the participants disagree that matters and subjects about women are less significant than those that attract males. However, a significant proportion of journalists, precisely 27.6%, believe that issues and topics about women receive less significance than those that pique men’s interest. (Figure 6). (7) According to 69% of media company respondents, men’s views and voices are not more important than women’s in the newsroom. However, 31% agree with this statement. (Figure 7). (8) The study indicates that 34.5% of the participants acknowledge that news companies still consider women’s views, experiences, and expertise less significant than men’s, whereas 65.5% disagree. (Figure 8). (9) Two-thirds of those who answered the study (72.4% of those who disagreed) said that women are still mostly absent from key editorial decision-making jobs. (Figure 9). (10) The study shows that 34.5% of the respondents from news media houses agree that more female reporters cover soft news areas like education and health and more male reporters cover hard news like politics and business, whereas 65.5% don’t agree with this statement. (Figure 10). (11) The study reveals that 82.8% of the respondents do not agree that women in media face sexual harassment in office by senior men in Guwahati. However, 17.2% agree that women in the media face sexual harassment. (Figure 11). Response of six prominent media houses. Respondents age group depiction. Name of the respondents media organisation. Depiction of male and female journalists percentage. Newsworthiness. Women journalists status. Men’s views & voice. Women’s voice and experience. Editorial decision & women. Area of female journalists. Women in media house.
Summary of the suggestions and views of the respondents from the selected six media organizations
There are mixed responses from the journalists of the selected six media organizations in Guwahati. Most of the journalists in DY365 and NK TV believe that only 2% of men in media are not supportive of women. Generally, women in Guwahati’s media enjoy equal status to their male counterparts. Female journalists are frequently urged to focus on reporting soft news, whereas male journalists primarily handle harsh news.
A leading woman media person from Pratidin Group argued that women are given equal importance when making valid points, whether in news or other soft programs. However, senior journalists typically cover political news, as women reporters are perceived to need more interest or skills for this beat. A veteran journalist from Pratidin Time points out that Assam’s women journalists/intelligentsia have yet to evolve and mature like Nagaland.
A woman journalist from The Assam Tribune said that women’s representation in media often needs to improve, not due to a lack of female journalists but because of lower readership among women and less financial investment in news targeting them. Women’s preference for entertainment over news exacerbates this issue. Studies show men often dictate household newspaper choices, affecting which news is prioritized and consumed. Enhancing women’s awareness and financial autonomy is crucial for equitable representation.
Another female journalist of Prag News states that female news reporters should be given more screen time and equally involved in all types of news, from politics to crime. Policies should be implemented by our laws to create a safer and more progressive work environment for women. News companies should strive for gender parity by ensuring a more equitable male-to-female ratio and actively promoting the inclusion of women in the industry. Another female journalist from Prag News added that there needs to be a standardized pay level for senior, junior, and new employees. Media personnel should be more vigilant. Women should receive the same importance as men, and senior staff should be given the respect they deserve. At the same time, another female journalist in Prag News states that in their organization, male and female employees are valued and treated equally, regardless of Gender.
A male journalist in GPlus believes there is no discrimination between men and women in other institutions like theirs. While some organizations may undervalue women, this is not true at GPlus. Another female journalist pointed out that it is less about males and females in her organization than about owner vs employees. The owner is male, and his views take precedence. She is sure it would be similar in female-run organizations. The point is that Indian media houses propagate views that support the views of the top brass, as the opposing ones are usually shut down. While another journalist from GPlus pointed out that photojournalists and video journalists are predominantly male, which needs to be addressed. While women have a say, men generally make authoritative decisions. One more journalist from GPlus emphasized that patriarchy is a deeply entrenched notion that has persisted for centuries, and dismantling it requires daily, relentless effort. It might be very subtle but still present, lurking in the shadows. To see even the slightest change, we must continually strive against it. Implementing awareness programs for men in the newsroom could be a significant step forward. These initiatives, addressing issues often dismissed as trivial, can pave the way for meaningful progress and a more equitable environment for all.
Another female journalist in GPlus emphasized the following aspects: (1) Underrepresentation in Senior Roles: Women are often underrepresented in senior editorial positions and decision-making roles within news organizations. (2) Pay Gap: A significant pay gap exists between men and women in journalism. (3) Challenges in Newsrooms: Women in newsrooms frequently face sexism, harassment, and a lack of support for balancing work and family responsibilities. (4) Content Bias: News content often exhibits bias, reflecting a lack of diverse perspectives.
She suggested that there should be - (1) Diverse Hiring Practices: News organizations should implement policies to ensure diverse hiring practices at all levels, particularly in senior editorial and leadership positions. (2) Pay Equity: Establish policies to ensure pay equity between men and women journalists. (3) Supportive Policies & Mentorship Programs: Create supportive workplace policies and mentorship programs to address issues like sexism, harassment, and work-life balance.
By addressing these areas, news organizations can create a more inclusive environment that benefits women journalists and enhances the quality and diversity of news coverage for their audiences.
Women journalists in Guwahati are crucial in offering diverse perspectives and shaping public discourse. Women journalists have more or less an equal status as male journalists in the newsrooms of media houses in Guwahati. Despite their significance, they face fewer opportunities, underrepresentation in top roles, and harassment risks. To support them, media organizations and governments should create growth opportunities, promote diversity, encourage peer and organizational support, and hold offenders accountable. Addressing these issues collectively can foster a more equitable media industry, allowing women journalists to thrive and contribute significantly. Recognizing and supporting their vital role is essential for a more inclusive media landscape. Moreover, it is evident from the above study that female journalists are safer in the media organisations and they should also be given other specialised betas like business, crime, politics etc. other than the soft areas.
Footnotes
Declaration of conflicting interests
The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.
Funding
The author(s) received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.
