Towards gender equity in sports media

Words: Mya I, Toronto

The sports world has long been a platform for showcasing extraordinary talent, perseverance, and dedication. However, it is also a domain rife with inequality, especially regarding the treatment of female athletes. One of the most glaring examples of this disparity lies in the way interviews with female athletes are conducted compared to their male counterparts. The inequality and inappropriateness during these interviews reveal deeply ingrained societal biases that perpetuate gender stereotypes and undermine the accomplishments of female athletes. This article delves into the underlying issues, the impact on female athletes, and the broader implications for gender equity in sports.

#CoverTheAthlete is a campaign that addresses the difference in how reporters ask questions of male versus female athletes.

One of the most prominent forms of inequality during female athlete interviews is the nature of the questions asked. Female athletes are often subjected to inquiries about their appearance, personal lives, and relationships, while male athletes are typically questioned about their performance, strategies, and career aspirations. For instance, a prominent example includes tennis champion Serena Williams, who has frequently faced questions about her physique and motherhood rather than her record-breaking achievements on the court. Similarly, women soccer players are often queried about their makeup routines or fashion choices, detracting from their athletic prowess and reducing their identities to superficial attributes.

In contrast, interviews with male athletes focus almost exclusively on their professional lives. Discussions center around their training regimens, tactical decisions, and contributions to their teams. This disparity not only highlights a lack of respect for female athletes' skills and dedication but also reinforces societal stereotypes that prioritize women’s appearances and personal lives over their professional accomplishments.

Another critical issue in interviews with female athletes is the tendency to objectify and sexualize them. Journalists and media outlets often frame questions in ways that highlight the athletes' physical attractiveness rather than their athletic competence. This practice not only trivializes their achievements but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes that women in sports are valued more for their looks than their skills.

For example, during the 2016 Rio Olympics, Eugenie Bouchard, a professional tennis player, was asked to "twirl" to show off her outfit after a match (link to evidence can be found at the end of this article). Such requests are not only demeaning but also unthinkable in interviews with male athletes. This persistent focus on appearance perpetuates a narrative that female athletes must conform to societal beauty standards to gain recognition, further marginalizing their athletic accomplishments.

The inappropriate and unequal treatment of female athletes during interviews has far-reaching consequences. First, it undermines their credibility as professionals, making it difficult for them to gain the same level of respect and recognition as their male counterparts. This disparity can also impact sponsorship opportunities, as companies may be less inclined to invest in athletes whose interviews do not highlight their professional skills. In fact, according to Adelphi University, New York, “whether professional players receive salaries or individual prize money from competitions, male athletes in basketball, golf, soccer, baseball and tennis make anywhere from 15% to nearly 100% more than female athletes,” as shown in the table below:

Source: Adelphi University

Additionally, such treatment contributes to a hostile and discouraging environment for women in sports. Young female athletes, observing the objectification and trivialization of their idols, may feel disheartened and question their own aspirations. This perpetuates a cycle in which fewer women pursue careers in sports, further entrenching gender inequality.

The inequality and inappropriateness in interviews with female athletes reflect broader societal attitudes toward gender roles. The media plays a powerful role in shaping public perceptions, and the portrayal of female athletes in interviews reinforces the notion that women must conform to traditional expectations of femininity even in professional settings. This not only affects women in sports but also influences how women are perceived and treated in other male-dominated fields. To combat these disparities, it is crucial to challenge and change the norms surrounding media coverage of female athletes. First, media organizations must adopt guidelines that emphasize professionalism and respect in interviews. Journalists should receive training to ensure they ask relevant, performance-focused questions that highlight the athletes' skills, strategies, and accomplishments.

Second, athletes and advocacy groups, such as #covertheathlete should call out instances of inappropriate or biased questioning. High-profile athletes, in particular, have the platform to demand better treatment and set a precedent for equitable media interactions. Social media campaigns can also play a significant role in raising awareness and holding journalists accountable for their conduct.

Lastly, promoting greater representation of women in sports journalism can help address the issue at its root. Female journalists may bring a more nuanced perspective to interviews, reducing the likelihood of inappropriate or biased questioning. Encouraging diversity in media coverage teams can also foster a more inclusive and respectful approach to reporting on female athletes.

The inequality and inappropriateness faced by female athletes during interviews are symptoms of deeply rooted gender biases in society. By trivializing their accomplishments and emphasizing superficial attributes, the media perpetuates stereotypes that undermine women’s credibility and contributions in sports. Addressing this issue requires a concerted effort from media organizations, athletes, advocacy groups, and fans to challenge existing norms and demand equitable treatment. Only by fostering a culture of respect and professionalism can we ensure that female athletes receive the recognition and appreciation they deserve, paving the way for greater gender equity in sports and beyond.

Mya I is a Toronto-based participant in Youth Media Forward: meet the Toronto participants here