It's not surprising really. I'd guess that the ratio... about 90% men to 10% women... is about the same in virtually any media center, in any women's sport... well... with the exception of... maybe...figure skating.
I believe this has to do with a number of things, two I can think of offhand are: the traditional sports reporting culture... and the ratio of male fans to female fans, which is still slanted quite heavily towards the guys.
On an encouraging new media note, I did encounter Meghan Morgan who writes Titleist's engaging Tour Blog. Meghan also twitters as @Titleistontour and is living proof that corporate blogging and twittering, when well done, can be engaging, entertaining and actual... and NOT just a thinly veiled marketing vehicle. The intrepid Stephanie Wei of Wei Under Par was there too, wielding her video camera and capturing fun player interviews.
I'm hoping that "new media," both corporate and journalist, will bring more women into sports reporting, and that before too long the media centers at women's sporting events like the LPGA's Sybase Classic will look less like journalist boys' clubs.
*Stephanie Wei and Anna Grzebien at the Sybase Classic on Friday
Re the LPGA's TV media coverage, what the fans crave is meatier coverage.
ReplyDeleteAnd that goal is being achieved more and more by the bloggers, and the (awesome) bloggesses.
Of course, there are a few blog asses too.
And to them, no comment.
Me think Chief put funny stuff in peace pipe. Very, very funny stuff.
ReplyDeleteBig Chief never has 'no comment'.
Hail the new generation of new media ladies! :)
ReplyDeleteTo One-Eyed Golfer: No comment.
ReplyDeleteChief heep kidding.
As to white man's claim of "funny stuff in peace pipe," no can prove that, Kimosabi.
But ears open to treaty on price per ounce.
Look for smoke in sky for cell number.
It behoves the LPGA to reach out to new media experts such as yourself. Your ability to connect with the contemporary golf audience is far greater than that of the traditional golf audience. Keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteWow, that IS male dominated! I find it kind of strange. There have to be women writers to cover women's golf. Where are they?
ReplyDeleteThere are very few female golf writers. Jill Painter used to do it at the LA Times sometimes. There's Ann Miller in Honolulu. Beth Ann Baldry covers the LPGA for Golfweek. Stina Sternberg used to be a golf writer, but I'm not sure what she is these days. And then, of course, the ladies at Golf Channel. But that's all I can think of!
ReplyDelete