Women's Status in FM Radio Stations in Addis Ababa
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Date
2010-08
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This study aims at examining representation, experience, practice, role
and challenges of women journalists who work in FM radio stations in
Addis Ababa using Feminist Communication Theories; Critical Mass,
Glass Ceiling and Standpoint theory. Both qualitative and quantitative
data collection methods are used in order to achieve the objective of this
study. Questionnaires were distributed to 31 women journa lists working
in the six FM radio stations and in-depth interviews are conducted with
four media managers. Analysis of data showed that there are smaller
numbers of women journalists than men journalists in the six stations.
Additionally, private stations have better representation of women
journalists than government stations. The research also finds out that
fewer women reached senior management positions. The findings also
suggest that young and well-educated women dominated the stations
and also majority of women journalists have less than five years of
professional experience. Women journalists widely assumed that they
have a different perspective than men journalists in terms of selecting
newsworthy items and story sources, reporting styles and changing the
negative portrayal of women in the media. Women journalists claim that
they faced difficulties in relation to their gender, as many accepted them
first as women then as professionals. It was also find out that balancing
work and home responsibilities is a burden for women journalists,
especially for married women. A tendency of relegating women to certain
news beats is also reported as a challenge for women journalists.
However, almost all editors, interviewed for this research confirmed story
assignment is based upon skill and capacity rather than gender. Sexual
harassment should not be overlooked since cases are reported by women
journalists. Findings of this study showed that women journalists tend to
solve their problems by challenging the existing newsrooms culture and
working on "hard" issues. Some opt to struggle in bringing women's and
children's issues as newsworthy items.
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Women's Status in FM Radio