More similarities than differences: women’s and men’s perspectives on ice-hockey reporting in Czech sports journalism

Abstract

This study explores differences in the reporting of female and male sports journalists. Based on a brief review of the literature related to gender differences in sports journalism and the stereotypes associated with the work of female sports journalists, the paper identifies a purported ‘female writing style’ characterized by a focus on soft news, an emotional approach to reporting and reduced interest in statistical and analytical data. Using a quantitative content analysis, I reviewed 167 audio-visual and 50 written ice-hockey reports about Czech Extraliga produced by six sports journalists, who worked in leading Czech sports media departments. I observed the frequency with which the reporters presented statistical data, evaluated a performance, described emotions, recounted personal stories, and used original phrases. Comparing women’s and men’s output, it emerged that gender of the author did not have a dominant influence on the form of their reports and did not impact the use of specific language elements.