Statistics for the Roles and Presentation of Women in the UK Media Industry

These are some screenshots of statistical data which comparatively discusses gender roles and representations within the media. The data is reliable as these are well known and highly credited UK feminist/media related websites, and due to the fact that the data is also cited with sources.

The information which I found most appropriate to discuss in my documentary is:

• '46% of global news content reinforces gender stereotypes, almost eight times higher than stories that challenge those stereotypes (6%)' - the journalistic/news TV area of the media industry therefore imparts these oppressive stereotypes onto its viewers, who as a result, may be more likely to also perceive genders in this damaging way.
• 'Just 23% of reporters on national daily newspapers in the UK are women, with only 1 female editor of a national daily.' and 'A study by Women in Journalism (WiJ) has found that 78% of all front-page articles during a four week period in 2012 were written by men compared to 22% by women.' - there is a clear gender bias in the journalistic/news TV media industry, and fewer opportunities for female writers. This may make my newspaper advertisement ancillary product relevant, as people who read those newspapers and see mostly male writers' names may become interested in my documentary which addresses this.
• 'Research on the UK media found that men typically outnumber women as 'experts' by 4:1 on major TV and radio programmes across channels.' - My next steps from this section of my research will be to look at a male dominated show such as 'Top Gear' which has been known for misogyny and controversy.
• 'Annual report from Dr Martha Lauzen and the Centre of the Study of Women in Television and Film found that in 2012 women comprised 18% of all directors, executive producers, producers, writers, cinematographers and editors working in the top 250 domestic grossing films.' - key statistic for representing the gender bias and lack of opportunities for women within the UK film industry.
• 'In the indie sector women now make up 48% of the workforce, up from 30% in 2009.' - positive information about the development of gender equality in the UK indie film industry.

This research will help me when writing a powerful and thought invoking script, and will also support my discussions with accurate and reliable information.