Status and Representation of Women in Public and Private Broadcasting Media in Kaduna and Kano State, Nigeria

Abstract

Globally, Journalism is seen as a male-dominated profession. This male dominance has been documented by many studies despite the increase in the number of female students in journalism and mass communication studies throughout the world. This study attempts to determine the status and representation of women in public and private broadcasting media in Kaduna and Kano, Nigeria. The method of data collection employed in the study was documentary research. Data were collected from public and private broadcasting media in Kaduna and Kano respectively. Results indicate that journalism is still male dominated even in the private media although there is improvement in the representation of women in the profession. However, women are more represented in the private media organizations in Kano compared to Kaduna although Kaduna is considered more liberal than Kano.The study concludes that being successful in journalism practice for women is not only based on education and merit but other factors that might prevent them from reaching their career peak. Thus, there is need for fundamental changes in journalism practice to enable women overcome all barriers in order to become successful in their chosen career.

Keywords: Status, Representation, Women, Broadcasting Media, Kaduna and Kano