Women in the media industry are facing a crisis of stagnation and inequality, according to the findings of Women in Media's 2024 Industry Insight Report. The survey, which polled women across various roles and experience levels, reveals that more than a third (35%) are considering quitting their jobs within the next 12 months, with dissatisfaction peaking among senior and mid-career professionals.
The report highlights a significant level of discontent among women regarding their career progress, with 57% expressing dissatisfaction or uncertainty. This sentiment is particularly prevalent among early and mid-career women, with 49% of those with 5-10 years of experience stating that they are not progressing as desired, and 47% of early-career women reporting dissatisfaction. Over one-third of respondents attribute their dissatisfaction to a lack of opportunities within their organizations.
Gender equality remains a pressing concern in the media industry, with 56% of women holding a negative view of the sector's commitment to addressing this issue. The report reveals that women in the media industry face a nine percent gender pay gap, which is higher than the national average of seven percent. On average, Australian women earn about $269 less than men per week, but for women in the media industry, this disparity rises to approximately $409. To tackle this issue, 69% of respondents advocate for gender pay audits.
Pay and career advancement are the primary factors influencing women's decisions to stay or leave their current roles. More than half (58%) of the respondents express concern about better pay, while the same percentage worry about the availability of senior roles. Additionally, 47% are concerned about limited promotional opportunities, and 25% fear being made redundant.
The report also sheds light on the support and resources needed to foster women's career growth in the media industry. More than a quarter (27%) of respondents believe that being engaged or positively challenged is crucial to their career progress. However, 48% are concerned about the impact of budget cuts and a lack of resources on their ability to perform their roles effectively.
In terms of training and development, 46% of women prioritize training in artificial intelligence, followed by podcasting and digital technology. Two-thirds of respondents express a positive outlook on using AI for research and content creation, highlighting the importance of staying ahead of the curve in an increasingly digital landscape.
To address the challenges faced by women in the media industry, the report offers several recommendations. These include enhancing transparency and commitment to gender equality in the workplace, defining and communicating career opportunities to aid women's progression, focusing on providing training in AI, podcasting, and digital technology, and fostering an environment where women feel engaged and positively challenged.
The findings of the Women in Media's 2024 Industry Insight Report serve as a wake-up call for the media industry to take decisive action in addressing the issues of stagnation and inequality faced by women. By implementing the report's recommendations and creating a more inclusive and supportive environment, the industry can retain and nurture its female talent, ensuring a more diverse and equitable future for all.
