FEMALE INVOLVEMENT IN SPORTS JOURNALISM IN BAYELSA STATE, NIGERIA: AN APPRAISAL

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the involvement of women in Sports Journalism in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The study was based on feminist media theory, which is highly relevant to gender equality, inclusivity, and equity, which are the major foci of this research. The survey research design was used, and the questionnaire was the primary research instrument. Of the 297 copies of questionnaire administered, 96.9% were considered usable. Among other findings, the study established that there is a low level of female journalists’ participation in sports journalism in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Likewise, the study revealed that female involvement in sports journalism is limited to junior roles, as no female influencers were found as editors in the sports beat of the media organizations that were studied. Based on the findings, it was recommended, among others, that media organizations in Bayelsa State should actively work toward promoting gender diversity in sports journalism by providing equal opportunities for women to ascend to editorial and managerial positions within the sports beats in Bayelsa State.