The Women in Media Industry Insight Report 2024 paints a concerning picture of career dissatisfaction among women in media. Financial pressures, limited promotional opportunities, and an increasing fear of redundancy are driving many to consider quitting.
However, the report also offers a roadmap for change, emphasizing the need for systemic reforms to create a more equitable and supportive environment for women.
By addressing these issues head-on, the media industry can ensure that women not only remain but thrive, ultimately enriching the field with their invaluable contributions.
Career Dissatisfaction Reaches Three-Year High for Professional Women in Media
The latest research reveals a growing dissatisfaction among women in the media industry, driven by concerns about pay and a lack of promotional opportunities.
The Women in Media Industry Insight Report 2024 indicates that a majority of women, 57%, are unsure or explicitly dissatisfied with their career progress.
More than one-third are contemplating leaving their jobs.
“Increased levels of anxiety and dissatisfaction are alarmingly evident in this year’s Women in Media Industry Insight Report 2024,” said Petra Buchanan, strategic advisor to Women in Media.
“Career aspirations are being overshadowed by concerns about pay inequity and a lack of advancement opportunities.”
The report indicates that financial pressure, felt across various sectors of the economy, is starkly reflected in these findings. Inadequate remuneration tops the list of grievances.
Senior and mid-career women are increasingly considering quitting their jobs, driven by worries about the availability of senior roles and an increased fear of redundancy.
“The financial pressure, being felt across various sectors of the economy currently, is starkly reflected in these findings, with inadequate remuneration topping the list of grievances. Increasingly, senior and mid-career women are considering quitting their jobs driven by worry about the availability of senior roles and increased fear of redundancy,” Buchanan added.
The report highlights recommendations for employers to address inequalities women face in the media industry.
Findings from the Women in Media Industry Insight Report 2024
The Women in Media Industry Insight Report 2024 reveals several critical concerns and trends affecting women in the media industry.
Career Progress Concerns
A significant 57% of women are explicitly dissatisfied or unsure about their career progress, with notable spikes among early and mid-career women.
Specifically, 49% of women with 5-10 years of experience feel they are not progressing as desired, while 47% of early-career women express dissatisfaction.
Over one-third of these women attribute their dissatisfaction to a lack of opportunities within the industry.
Intent to Leave
The report highlights that 35% of women are considering quitting their jobs, with this sentiment particularly prevalent among senior and mid-career professionals.
Perception of Gender Equality
A negative view of the media industry’s commitment to gender equality is held by 56% of women, indicating a significant concern regarding the industry’s efforts in this area.
Pay Concerns
Pay concerns are top of the list of the grievances highlighted in the report.
A substantial 58% of women are worried about better pay, indicating that current salaries are not meeting their expectations or cost of living.
For a majority of female workers, current salaries are not meeting their expectations or cost of living, making higher pay an urgent necessity rather than a long-term aspiration.
The desire for higher salaries outpaces other motivations, both as reasons to stay in their current roles and to leave.
Petra Buchanan, strategic advisor to Women in Media, underscores this point, stating, “The financial pressure, being felt across various sectors of the economy currently, is starkly reflected in these findings, with inadequate remuneration topping the list of grievances.”
Promotion and Redundancy Fears
Promotion and career advancement opportunities are other critical areas of concern.
The report reveals that 58% of women worry about the availability of senior roles, and 47% are concerned about limited promotional opportunities.
This lack of upward mobility not only stymies career growth but also contributes to a broader sense of frustration and disillusionment among women in media.
Adding to these challenges is an increasing fear of redundancy.
According to the report, 25% of women fear being made redundant, a worry that is becoming more prevalent among senior and mid-career professionals.
This fear further exacerbates career dissatisfaction and contributes to a sense of instability and insecurity in the workplace.
“Increasingly, senior and mid-career women are considering quitting their jobs driven by worry about the availability of senior roles and increased fear of redundancy,” said Petra Buchanan, strategic advisor to Women in Media.
Support and Resources
Being engaged or challenged in a positive way is crucial to career progress for 27% of women.
However, 48% are concerned about the impact of budget cuts and a lack of resources on their careers.
Call for Gender Pay Audits
One of the significant recommendations from the report is the call for gender pay audits.
An overwhelming majority, 69% of respondents, advocate for these audits to address the gender pay gap within the media industry.
This move towards transparency and fairness in compensation is seen as a critical step in achieving gender equality.
Skill Development Needs
The report also highlights the importance of skill development, with 46% of women prioritizing learning artificial intelligence, followed by podcasting and digital technology.
Two-thirds of the women surveyed view AI positively, primarily for its potential in research and content creation.
This emphasis on upskilling reflects a forward-looking approach to career development and highlights the need for continuous learning in the ever-evolving media landscape.
Recommendations for Employers
Women in Media urges media employers to prioritize enhancing transparency and commitment to gender equality in the workplace, including fair pay.
Defining and communicating career opportunities to aid women’s progression is essential.
Employers should focus on providing training in AI, podcasting, and digital technology to support skill development. Additionally, fostering an environment where women feel engaged and positively challenged is crucial to retain top talent.
Ongoing Commitment
Women in Media remains committed to driving ongoing discussions and initiatives to support women in the Australian media industry.
According to ABS data (November 2023), the average weekly earnings pay gap for women in the Information Media & Telecommunications Industry is 9%, which is $409.40 less per week than men.
The average Australian weekly earnings gender pay gap is 7%.
Urgent need for systemic change in media industry
Petra Buchanan, research author and strategic advisor to Women in Media, emphasized the urgency for employers to address entrenched issues impacting the careers of women in the media workforce.
Buchanan stated, “These results underscore the critical and urgent need for industry-wide systemic change, starting with a firm commitment to gender equality and addressing the above-average gender pay gap. This change must include providing fair compensation, ample growth opportunities, and a safe, supportive work environment so that women remain in the media and transition into leadership positions.”
The Women in Media Industry Insight Report 2024 can be downloaded.
Women in Media is a not-for-profit registered charity dedicated to helping women in the media industry excel, learn, contribute, and connect.
With over 6,400 members across the country and branches in every state and territory, Women in Media members are involved in all areas of media, including journalism, communications, production, public relations, advertising, marketing, publishing, and digital media.
Women in Media initiatives focus on increasing gender equality, expanding leadership and economic participation opportunities for women, and fostering a safer, more respectful culture in Australian workplaces. For more information, visit www.womeninmedia.com.au
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