Female voices in Spanish sports media: The case of Marca and Mundo Deportivo

Abstract

This research aims to examine, from a gender perspective, female journalists’ perceptions of their roles and their evolution in the Spanish sports press, focusing on Marca and Mundo Deportivo. To complement this analysis, it also explores the views of senior executives at these newspapers on the roles and progression of women journalists in the field. The study is based on semi-structured interviews conducted with 10 women journalists who have worked for at least 15 years at Marca or Mundo Deportivo. This approach enabled the identification of changes over time in their experiences and perceptions. In addition, in-depth interviews were conducted with two senior executives, one from each newspaper. This method provided insights into their perspectives on the inclusion of women in sports journalism and whether specific measures have been implemented to promote gender equality in the field. The results reveal that women journalists in Spanish sports press continue to face significant disadvantages, with editorial teams maintaining a culture that limits their participation in content production. In conclusion, while some progress has been acknowledged, both journalists and editorial management highlight persistent challenges, including gender-based inequalities and barriers to professional growth.