“Still a Boys Club”: Perspectives on Female Sports and Sports Reporters in University Student Newspapers

Abstract

Despite the growth of sports media, female athletes and sports reporters continue to struggle for recognition. This study builds on existing research that has documented the extent to which women are sidelined in sports media with an investigation of why this marginalization occurs. Interviews with student newspaper staff members suggest that, while intentional sexism and discrimination are uncommon, the male-dominated culture of sports and sports journalism continue to perpetuate the status quo and make meaningful change difficult.

Keywords::

• Journalism
• Media
• Sports
• Women

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Hans C. Schmidt

Hans C. Schmidt (PhD, Temple University, 2010) is an Assistant Professor of Communications at Pennsylvania State University, Brandywine, 25 Yearsley Mill Road, Media, PA 19063. E-mail: [email protected]