France: CFWIJ condemns the widespread sexism against women sports journalists

March 24, 2021— In a public appeal, 150 women sports journalists denounced the sexism they face in their line of work. The misogynistic culture around sports worldwide fosters the harassment and hate women journalists face in the field. The appeal issued by French women journalists calls for a unified effort to push back against such misconduct. The Coalition For Women In Journalism supports the women sports reporters and their call for reform in the industry.  We urge the French authorities to take action against the mistreatment and ensure a fair work environment free from harassment. 

In a public appeal issued in Le Monde newspaper on Sunday, women sports journalists have exposed the sexist treatment they are regularly subjected to. “It’s time for us, female sports journalists, to get united and put pressure,” the appeal claims. The statement has around 150 journalists supporting the much-needed pledge for structural change in sports journalism. According to statistics provided by the Superior Audiovisual Council (CSA), half the journalists in France are women, yet they make up only 10% of the 3000 journalists currently working in sports reporting. “In 2021, sport handled by men, for men, about men is no longer tolerable. Treating women as inferior in sports newsrooms is no longer tolerable,” the appeal attests. 

A documentary on the sexual harassment faced by women sports journalists discusses issues of harassment by male colleagues and fans alike, to women being forced into meaningless roles to enhance the sex appeal of a broadcast. The documentary was televised on the French channel Canal+ on Sunday, March 21, 2021. 

The public statement is a timely reckoning for the sports journalism industry amidst the global #MeToo movement. This was also acknowledged by the documentary director, sports journalist Marie Portolano, who claimed that the film intended to criticize a harmful way of thinking. France is not the only country where women sports journalists are subjected to widespread harassment. Misogyny has become so normalized in sports culture that several similar reports have emerged globally, which CFWIJ has covered over the years.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism condemns sexism in sports journalism and stands by the signatories of this public appeal. The worldwide sports culture needs a major overhaul to ensure safer spaces for women in the field. This reform requires a shift away from the mindset that assumes sports, and everyone engaged in the field, exist primarily for the male gaze. We hope this appeal signals the beginning of fundamental change within the sports media industry.