“It Isn’t 50/50,but It’s Way Better Than 2%!”: The Shifting Gatekeeping Process in Women’s Sport Coverage

Abstract

Drawing on interviews with 27 sports journalists, we examine the shifting gatekeeping processes pertaining to U.S. women’s sports coverage. On the individual level, journalists shared favorable attitudes about women’s sports but noted a lack of knowledge among their peers and advocated diversity in hiring. Pertaining to routines, women’s sports are moving up in the news hierarchy and becoming a part of the assignment rotation. Journalists were conflicted about audience metrics. Broadcast availability and women’s sports organizations’ content served both as barriers and as drivers of coverage. Budgetary constraints and staff size presented barriers, despite the growth of women’s sports.