Male reporters may be the issue

By: Sara Crouse

Historically, male reporters have been significantly more prominent in numbers than female reporters. This trend has continued into the 21st Century, but seems to be progressing slightly towards an even ratio. America can still feel the trend prominently though in political coverage. John McCain’s sudden refusal to appear on the Larry King Live show may be a direct effect of male reporters in action.

The media coverage of John McCain’s choice to for Vice President has been focused largely on issues of children and the woman’s role in society. Why are these two topics on the mind of reporters and journalists alike? There has been quite the controversy and many questions asked of Sarah Palin that would be nowhere in an interview with a male candidate. Perhaps male reporters are fascinated with Sarah Palin, and believe her family life is far more important than her voting record as Governor.

The increasing questioning and reporting of Palin proves no different than the coverage of Hillary Clinton during her campaign. The issues important in Clinton’s agenda were often pushed aside by the media. Voting records and ideology were not needed to discuss the first female front-runner in the race for the presidency. Reporters were concerned with Clinton’s female tendencies such as tearing up on stage or the ‘Sisterhood of the Traveling Pantsuits.’

Have reporters gone soft with male concerns of the emerging female presidential hopefuls? Has the public gone soft with the issues important in the ’08 Election? Have the large numbers of male reporters chosen to cover these stories on seemingly unaccepting views of women politicians for a reason. Perhaps female reporters should step out and focus on what has been a bad year for feminism.