Lords quiz female news journalists and Ministers
Three well-known female news and current affairs journalists will share their experiences of working in the industry across broadcasters with the House of Lords Communications Committee, in the penultimate evidence session of its inquiry into the representation of women in news and current affairs broadcasting.
They will be followed by Nicky Morgan, Minister for Women and Equalities, and Culture and Digital Economy Minister, Ed Vaizey.
Having previously heard from senior news and current affairs figures from the BBC, ITN and Sky, at 3.30pm, the Committee will question journalists who have worked for the news and current affairs departments at some of those organisations. Appearing before the Committee will be:
- Miriam O'Reilly, a former Countryfile presenter who won an ageism case against the BBC;
- Cathy Newman, who became the first female co-presenter of Channel 4 news in 2011; and
- Penny Marshall, the BBC's newly-appointed Education Editor.
Questions the Committee are likely ask the panel include:
- Why are there so few female reporters in news and current affairs?
- Are women encouraged into certain roles – for example presenting, rather than news reporting – because of an assumption that these roles are more suitable for women?
- What are the main barriers to progression for women, and how have you been able to overcome them?
- What needs to happen in the industry to achieve parity in all areas?
Following on, at 4.30pm, the Committee will question Ministers on issues including:
- the Government's role in helping to achieve equality of representation for women, both on and off air;
- whether progress within the industry on equality is moving too slowly; and
- the role of Ofcom in equal opportunities monitoring.
The evidence session will take place on Tuesday 4 November at 3.30pm in Committee Room 1 of the House of Lords.
