01 October 2019

Scottish study claims women's sport is 'marginalised and sexualised' by media coverage

A study in Scotland has found women's sport to be hugely under-represented in the media compared to men's.

The research by the Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Advisory Board found that 95 per cent of sports media coverage was devoted to men's sport. 

As a result he Scottish government has been urged to support an increase in women's sport media coverage.

Controversially, 22 per cent of articles and other content around women's sport could be perceived as sexualised according to the report. It claimed: "[women's coverage] could be interpreted as sexualised articles or images" and that when "content is perceived in this way it can trivialise women’s contributions to sport and society".

Marie Todd, an SNP member of the Scottish Parliament, tweeted: "There's quite a way to go then."

Former footballer Alex Scott was in the commentary box at the Women's World Cup this summer (PA Images)

However, the report did say that an increase in women's sports coverage would have a positive impact on girls, hopefully inspiring them to take up sport themselves.

The Solheim Cup, Women's World Cup and Netball World Cup were all well received when given air time this summer with 28 million people tuning in to watch The Lionesses and other nations compete.

Joe Fitzpatrick, Scotland's Public Health minister said: “By accepting the board’s recommendations we will work towards a level playing field where everyone is treated fairly and can achieve their full potential."

Amanda Jones, the board's chair, said: "We passionately believe that measures to increase activity levels of women and girls will make Scotland a better place to live for all.”

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