ABSTRACT

ANALYSIS OF GENDER REPRESENTATION IN LOCAL MEDIA IN PONOROGO (A STUDY ON WOMEN’S INVOLVEMENT IN JOURNALISTIC PROFESSIONS)

RIO DWI WAHYUDA
21240936

This research aims to analyze women's involvement in strategic positions within local media in Ponorogo and how this involvement influences gender representation in editorial spaces. The study employs a qualitative approach using a descriptive method. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and document analysis, with key informants drawn from local media such as Bintang Pena, Duta Nusantara, and Ponorogo News, as well as professional journalist organizations PWI and IJTI. The findings indicate that female journalists are actively engaged not only in news coverage but also in editorial decision-making processes. Some media outlets have adopted more inclusive and gender-sensitive editorial structures, although patriarchal cultural barriers remain. The presence of women in strategic roles enriches news perspectives, especially on issues related to women, social justice, and equity. These findings suggest that increasing women’s participation in strategic media roles is a crucial step toward achieving more gender-equitable and representative journalism.

Keywords: gender representation, female journalists, local media, strategic positions, gender equality