Women Candidates and the Media: 1992‐2000 Elections

Abstract

Studies examining newspaper coverage of gubernatorial and senatorial candidates running in the 1980s found women to be at a disadvantage compared to men. Although women are still underrepresented as senators and governors, they have increased their numbers in more recent years. With greater representation, has press coverage become more gender neutral? To answer this important question, coverage of men and women senatorial and gubernatorial candidates running between 1992 and 2000 is analyzed. Findings suggest, in general, that newspaper coverage of candidates has become increasingly gender‐balanced. Although certain disparities exist, some differences now actually favor women candidates. Some possible explanations for more balanced newspaper coverage are also discussed.