Women's representation and voice in media coverage of the coronavirus crisis

Research conducted at GIWL King’s College London looked at 146,867 articles related to coronavirus published between 1 March and 31 July 2020, drawn from 15 sources across Australia, the UK and the USA.

The study finds that female voices and expertise have been marginalised in media reporting of the coronavirus crisis.

Female politicians made up just four of the top 20 most mentioned domestic politicians in articles related to coronavirus in Australia, the UK and the USA between March and July 2020, confirming that the political response has largely had a male face.

When women were quoted, their voices were represented in areas traditionally seen as ‘feminine policy areas’ rather than on issues such as finance and the economy.

When looking at coverage of specific sub-topics linked to the coronavirus crisis, there was a clear divide in female voice between traditionally feminine and masculine issues. Women made up 70 per cent of those quoted in articles related to domestic violence, and only 15 per cent related to the Australian economy.

See the full report below.

Updated:  1 February 2021/Responsible Officer:  Institute Director/Page Contact:  CASS Marketing & Communications