Study on Challenges Faced by Women In Sports Journalism

Abstract

This research paper is an exploration of women in sports journalism and the challenges they face when entering the locker room. It begins with an introduction focused on the history of women in sports journalism. Following the introduction, there will be a discussion in literature review format of the various challenges the women have faced. Many of the early female sports reporters encountered various levels of treatment upon entering the locker room. Some were physically assaulted. Others were sexually abused or challenged by the players in sexually inappropriate ways. The literature review focuses on those types of moments in journalism history and explores how they shaped the industry and the character of women working in sports journalism. This paper also includes research and interviews with women currently working in sports journalism in order to find out the differences between those early years and today. The study collects both data for international, national, organizational and individual levels. The methodology incorporates amixed-methods approach.