La brecha de género en la profesión periodística. Características y percepción

This study investigates the persistent gender gap within journalism by analysing both structural indicators and professional perceptions among media workers in the Basque Country. Based on a survey of 522 journalists, the research identifies two key dimensions of the gender gap: employment conditions and perceptual divergence between male and female professionals. The data confirm significant disparities in salary levels and access to positions of responsibility, with women underrepresented in leadership roles and more concentrated in precarious, lower-paid posts. Furthermore, a second gap emerges in the perception of gender influence, with women journalists more likely to report disadvantages in career advancement, workload, and job flexibility. While the profession shows signs of feminisation among younger cohorts, inequalities persist, notably in managerial levels and long-term professional trajectories. The study highlights the role of structural barriers and cultural biases within newsrooms, reinforcing the relevance of intersectional feminist analyses. These findings underscore the need for media policy reforms and institutional practices that promote equitable access, visibility, and recognition for women journalists. The evidence-based characterisation provided here contributes to broader debates on gender equity in media industries and offers practical data to inform diversity strategies within journalistic organisations.