The BBC says nearly half of its news and current affairs workforce is female
There are “simply not enough” women in news and current affairs broadcasting, a committee of peers has said.
Lord Best, chairman of the House of Lords communications committee, said broadcasters needed to make a greater effort to reflect their audiences.
The BBC should do more because of its “special status” and its “dominance” as a news provider, he added.
A BBC spokeswoman said it had taken a “leading role” in increasing the number of women in the industry.”
The committee found that, in particular, not enough was being done to get more women working in senior positions in news and current affairs broadcasting.
It said in its report: “Gone are the days when women were seldom heard or seen in news and current affairs broadcasts.
“Nevertheless, in this era of equality, we were surprised and disappointed at how much further broadcasters, Ofcom and the government have to go to achieve genuine gender balance.”
The committee, which has members including broadcaster Joan Bakewell, heard evidence from media organisations and individuals for its report.
‘Different story’
Lord Best said: “Although on the surface it appears that women are well represented, the facts tell a different story.
“We heard, for example, that men interviewed as experts outnumber women four to one on radio and TV.
“Despite the fact that women make up just over half the population, they are underrepresented, both as staff and as experts, in news and current affairs broadcasting.
The BBC needs to do more because of its “special status”, according to the report
“And although we recognise the fact that the nature of the sector means that there are additional barriers to women – for example, the fast-paced …read more
Source:: BBC Entertainment
