UF to host discussion on gender bias in the media

August 11, 2010

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Florida Commission on the Status of Women is hosting a roundtable discussion on gender bias in the media at 7 p.m. Aug. 31 at the Ocora Room in Pugh Hall.

Representatives from women’s groups, academia and media will share with participants their perspectives and experiences in dealing with gender bias or stereotyping in the media, particularly political coverage.

Participants will discuss whether women have been portrayed with bias in the media and political coverage; the impact of such bias or misrepresentation on women; the need to initiate changes in various sectors (including roles that different parties could play); how to tackle the problem and at the same time uphold freedom of the press and expression, and allow sufficient room for creativity; and effective ways to promote gender awareness in the media.

Television host Ilene Silverman will serve as moderator of the event to include the following panelists: Jacki Levine, Gainesville Sun managing editor; state Rep. Jennifer Carroll; Judge Simone Marstiller, First District Court of Appeal; Judge Wendy W. Berger, Seventh Judicial Circuit; Former Gainesville Mayor Pegeen Hanrahan; Alachua County Sheriff Sadie Darnell; John Wright, dean of the College of Journalism and Communications, University of Florida; Cindy Graves, president, Florida Federated Republican Women; Lisa M. Hammond of the BHER Group; and Ann Herberger, president of the Woods-Herberger Group.

“We intend for the discussion to touch on the existence and pervasiveness of the problem of gender bias, particularly in political coverage and propose practical solutions for tackling, minimizing and eliminating the problem,” said Susanne Hebert, chairwoman of the Florida Commission on the Status of Women. “In keeping with our mission, the commission is compelled to take a public stand regarding the approach employed by some members of the media related to women, particularly in the political arena.”

This event is co-sponsored by the College of Journalism and Communications, the Bob Graham Center for Public Service, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, and the Center for Women’s Studies and Gender Research at the University of Florida.

The event is free and open to the public. Additional details will be available from the commission website at http://www.fcsw.net.