New Office for Women in Sport and Recreation backed research called The Conversation of Sport: Representation of Women in Sports News Coverage is helping more women shape the future of sports media.

The new report reveals that only 15 per cent of sports news coverage in Victoria was focused on women’s sport in 2022-23, with women’s sport also less likely to receive deeper coverage and analysis.

The study also found women journalists represented only 27 per cent of bylines, although were 62 per cent more likely than men journalists to report on women’s sport.

We know that reducing the media gap is fundamental to leveling the playing field in sport – on and off the field. That’s why the Victorian Government is supporting more women interested in a career in sports media with opportunities to gain industry insight, build networks and kickstart their careers.

Applications for this year’s Change Our Game Women in Sports Media Program are officially open, with the program supporting more than 80 people since 2020. The program will be facilitated by leading sports producers Emma Race and Lucy Race and established industry mentors including Kelli Underwood, Nat Edwards and Rana Hussain.

The Conversation of Sport: Representation of Women in Sports News Coverage was conducted by global media insights firm Isentia for the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation.

To find out more on The Conversation of Sport and the 2023-24 Change Our Game Women in Sports Media Program, visit Change Our Game