Being a Woman Manager in Local Media

Abstract

When the media is considered in different dimensions, it is a sector that contains many problems. The most important of these problems are related to women's employment and gender inequality. Researches on this subject in the field of media show that the sector has a male-dominated structure. Of course, women's problems related to working life are not limited to media organizations. Women struggle with gender inequalities in almost every branch of the production and service sector. Considering the power of the media to influence society, it is expected to raise public awareness on gender equality, while the fact that gender discrimination is experienced in this sector presents a situation that contradicts the functions of mass communication. The local press has a special importance among the media companies that provide services in different areas. Because the local press is in close contact with the public as well as with all the institutions and organizations in the province where it is located. This proximity makes the local press special and important in terms of its dominance over the problems in the region and its power to form public opinion. This study focuses on the problems and opportunities of female journalists working in managerial positions in local press organizations. In this context, a qualitative research was designed within the scope of the study. In-depth interviews were made with 12 female managers, who have different education, age and professional experience, determined by snowball sampling method, in local press organizations in different cities of Turkey. The data obtained were interpreted with the descriptive analysis method. According to the results obtained from the analysis journalist participating in the study represent the younger generation and all but one have vocational training. It is noteworthy that the problems of women journalists differ according to the region they work in. Although they are senior managers, women journalists do not prefer to take active roles in non-governmental organizations. However, it is thought that women journalists who work as managers in the local media, as well as their professional success, showing unity and solidarity within non-governmental organizations would be a source of motivation for women working or wanting to work in this field.