Namrata Sharma

As history is being created by compilation of information regarding COVID -19 pandemic progresses, or any other matter, media needs to remember that the stories we tell becomes the world we live in. The stories are woven with the information we generate from people. Here, again, media needs to ponder on how we are portraying the ideas, regardless of where they come from. Are we giving all people equal opportunities to have their say? It is a fact that the world becomes more intelligent when it is more inclusive, but are we quoting all in our articles or just some? The reflection of information we give out builds or breaks the trust we generate.
Globally, women represent only 24 per cent of the people we see, hear and read about in the news and just 19 per cent of expert sources – rates that haven’t changed in nearly two decades according to Reflect Reality a project of Internews and the World Economic Forum.

Trust deficit

As per the 2021 Edelman Trust Barometer, after a year of unprecedented disaster and turbulence with the COVID 19 pandemic leading to an economic crisis, outcry over systemic racism and political instability, it is revealed that there is an epidemic of misfortune and widespread mistrust of societal institutions and leaders all around the world. The Edelman Trust barometer, which is used to measure trust, adds that a failing trust ecosystem has been created which is unable to confront the rampant infodemic, leaving the four institutions -- business, government, NGOs and media - in an environment of information bankruptcy and a mandate to rebuild trust and chart a new path forward.
Therefore, the time has come for media to reflect within ourselves and see how we can increase the trust barometer towards what we show, broadcast or print by being more responsible and inclusive.
In an analysis, published in Poynter by Alexi Layton and Alicia Shepard, of 352 front-page stories from the NY Times in January and February 2013, they found that the Times reporters quoted 3.4 times as many male sources as female sources. Sources were identified as either male, female or unknown. Unknown were institutions, those only quoted as “spokespersons,” anonymous sources, etc. In total, only 19 per cent or 465 of 2,411 sources were female. Different factors that could have influenced lack of women sources could include the lack of diversity among reporters whose stories appeared on the front page, women not stepping up to be sources, and a lack of female sources.
While the discrepancy in sources exists regardless of the reporter’s sex, it is larger in stories written by men. Out of the 96 stories reported by women only, there were more than twice as many male sources as female sources 408 compared with 189. Out of the 214 stories reported by men only, there were four times as many male sources as female sources. The other 42 stories the writers analysed had mixed bylines — one man and one woman, two men and one woman, etc.
Although the Times research may not be reflective of all newspapers all over the world it does comply with the global data of 19 per cent only representation of women sources in their publication. It also reflects the fact that one of the most powerful newspapers too is not reflecting the voices of all, thus neglecting the need for inclusion. Underrepresentation of thinkers, including women of all backgrounds could actually have a major impact on how history is written and how news is spread. Because of skewed representation possibility of increase of racism, sexism, Islamaphobia, antisemitism, white supremacy, violence, bigotry, and abuse in all forms could be widespread.
Sexism, difficulties in balancing family and professional life, and threats from on and off line are a reality for women professional around the world. As a result there is definitely a lack of trust among women and people who belong to the marginalised communities to speak in front of the media. As a result they often get sidelined. Now it is important for the media to reflect on how the world is being impacted when an entire group of people is underrepresented in the daily narratives that describe our world. This actually leads to an incomplete or inaccurate depiction of our reality. When reporters fail to speak to women experts and leaders, they risk leaving out perspectives relevant to a huge portion of the society and miss out on new and interesting stories that otherwise may not surface.
Audience trust has now become a critical concern for the news industry with media being mistrusted day by day. An enduring lack of diversity and representation in media contributes to this, as, around the world, media are continually shown to exclude or misrepresent marginalised and minority groups. This means many people do not receive information relevant to their experience and circumstances, causing disengagement and distrust.

Financial viability
Increasingly, media managers should see gender equality as essential, not only to the quality of their work but, by extension, to the financial viability of their businesses. Increasing the voice of women leaders and experts in the news can build greater trust among the audience and improve the quality of journalism. When women’s expert and authoritative voices are accurately reflected and harmful gender stereotypes left behind, we all benefit. Girls and boys grow up in a world where they learn they can participate equally. Gender bias in schools, workplaces and communities are diminished. Therefore it is now essential for media to make sure they have equal representation of voices of people of all backgrounds especially women with all communities.

(Sharma is a senior journalist and women rights. namrata1964@yahoo.com Twitter handle: NamrataSharmaP)