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

The Backstory: A media freedom podcast

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)