To write or not to write about female politicians: Factors that influence Malaysian journalists in their news reporting

• Published in: SEARCH Journal of Media and Communication Research
• Main Author: Arsad N.F.M.; Pirus M.S.M.; Nasir N.N.A.M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor's University Lakeside Campus 2024
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85204683506&doi=10.58946%2fsearch-SpecialIssue.ICOMS2023.P2&partnerID=40&md5=0db8b016454cf81f802217614a34bc21

The media significantly influences the formation of public opinion as well as the development and maintenance of gendered stereotypes of men and women. Given this impact, understanding gender representation is crucial for evaluating news credibility and addressing gender stereotypes. In addition, media plays a key factor in the development of democratic societies. Apparently, women are underrepresented in the news, which suggests that although they make up about half of the world's population, they are not equally represented in the reality that the news generates. Thus, this study aims to investigate factors that might influence news reporting, especially about female politicians. Adopting a qualitative approach, 11 Malaysian journalists were interviewed on their journalism practices. Findings reveal that when Malaysian journalists write about female politicians, there are five aspects that influence them, namely (1) inclusivity, (2) reactions towards female politicians, (3) politician’s behaviour, (4) political competence, and (5) difficulties faced by women in politics. Overall, most Malaysian journalists do not openly mistrust female politicians, which hinders them from reporting with confidence or underestimating them. Though they are believed to have superior capabilities than male politicians, female politicians remain constrained by several problems. This in some way accounts for the underrepresentation of women in politics. As a result, low female engagement corresponds with low female representation in the media, especially in the political sphere. © SEARCH Journal 2024.