Survey highlights lack of female voices on Irish airwaves

Less than a quarter of voices in radio news and current affairs broadcasting are women, according to a survey conducted by the National Women’s Council of Ireland (NWCI).

The survey forms part of the NCWI's submission to the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) for the draft code on fairness and objectivity in news and current affairs.

The NCWI said current affairs programmes are dominated by male voices, as are presenters, expert guests, in headlines, sports and business.

"Our airwaves are more than three-quarters male dominated, our Dáil is 85% male dominated.," said acting council CEO Orla O'Connor.

"Women are marginalised from the most powerful bodies in the State," she said

"Broadcasters have a responsibility to change this."

News and current affairs can not be considered fair or diverse if over half the population are excluded from the airwaves, Ms O'Connor added.

"The Women's Council believes the BAI Code must include specific provisions to encourage programme producers and stations to include more women in their shows."