A comparative analysis of female character portrayals in news industry-themed films and TV dramas: Mainland China vs. Hong Kong

With the global advancement of gender equality movements and the evolving landscape of media industries, the portrayal of female professionals in popular culture has become an increasingly critical lens through which to examine societal values, gender norms, and regional cultural dynamics. This is particularly salient in the context of journalism, a field historically marked by male dominance yet undergoing significant shifts in gender representation. Within Chinese-speaking societies, Mainland China and Hong Kongwhile sharing cultural rootsexhibit distinct sociopolitical systems, media ecologies, and ideological frameworks, offering a unique opportunity to explore how such differences shape on-screen depictions of women in journalism. This study examines the portrayal of female characters in news industry-themed films and TV dramas from Mainland China and Hong Kong. It aims to identify cultural and social differences reflected in these characterizations and explore how media representations shape public perceptions of women in journalism. The research analyzes 10 selected works (5 from each region) through content analysis, focusing on character backgrounds, career challenges, and narrative arcs. Findings reveal that mainland productions often emphasize collective values and professional dedication, while Hong Kong works highlight individualism and moral dilemmas. These differences reflect distinct societal norms and media ecosystems in the two regions.