Only 15 per cent of sports news coverage in Victoria was focused on women’s sport in 2022-23. Photo: Supplied.
The Victorian Government is helping more women take their careers in sports media to the next level, with applications now open for a program supporting people to hone their skills and build their connections in the industry.
Applications are now open for the Change Our Game Women in Sports Media Program, which helps boost the careers of women in sports media.
The Advancing Career Round of the program, facilitated by leading sports producers Emma Race and Lucy Race from Making The Call, helps women with experience in the industry to take their careers to new heights.
Supported by established sports media mentors including Kelli Underwood, Nat Edwards and Rana Hussain, the program helps participants develop practical skills and industry knowledge, and make connections with industry experts.
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence said the government was aware that there was more to do to increase the gender balance of sports news coverage and representation in Victoria.
The Conversation of Sport report, published in February and commissioned by the Labor Government’s Office of Women in Sport, revealed only 15 per cent of sports news coverage in Victoria was focused on women’s sport in 2022-23, and women journalists represented only 27 per cent of bylines.
“This program is backing more women to take the next step in their sports media career, to drive greater representation of women in sports news coverage,” Ms Spence said.
“The more women we have as the faces and voices delivering sports news and coverage is key to advancing gender equality in sport.”
Previous graduates of the program have progressed their careers across various roles, including Emma Gallagher, a graduate from 2022-23.
Since taking part in the program, Emma has become an experienced commentator covering the Women’s National Cricket League and Women’s Big Bash League broadcasts with cricket.com.au. She is also a courtside announcer for the Bendigo Braves NBL 1 team and has supported Channel 7 with the production of its cricket coverage.
For more information on the program and how to apply, visit changeourgame.vic.gov.au.
