Schwartz: more female voices needed in business news

Schwartz said that females were underrepresented within the media and in particular within in business news, and that more needed to be done to better reflect industry views.

“Business news is dominated by male voices. There is no reason why journalists should not consider gender balance, when seeking sources for comment,” Schwartz said.

“There is no shortage of experienced, intelligent, female business experts who are willing to speak with the media.”

Schwartz said access to senior executives and directors should not be a barrier for media.

“More than 120 senior female business leaders have joined womenformedia.com.au and are willing to be contacted by the media to share their opinions and expertise on business issues,” says Ms Schwartz.

The Women’s Leadership Institute Australia launched the Women For Media website a year ago. The resource gives journalists direct access to willing commentators at director and senior executive levels.

“Journalists from all major business news outlets are using the resource, but there is still a long way to go to even the levels of male and female commentary in the news.  Changing this requires all journalists to consider gender balance in their reports,” said Ms Schwartz.