Gender Hierarchies in Nigerian Broadcast Media: A Study of Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and African Independent Television (AIT)
摘要
This study examines the persistence of gender hierarchies in Nigerian broadcast media, with a focus on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and African Independent Television (AIT). Despite decades of advocacy for gender equity, patterns of underrepresentation and unequal participation remain evident within media institutions. The study identifies the problem of limited visibility of women in decision-making, unequal access to career advancement, and the reinforcement of stereotypes in programming. The purpose is to examine how institutional practices, editorial structures, and cultural norms influence gender distribution across professional roles. Guided by the objectives of assessing representation, evaluating organizational policies, and analyzing portrayal in content, the study employs a mixed-method approach combining content analysis, interviews, and staff surveys. Findings reveal that male dominance is entrenched at leadership levels, while women are disproportionately concentrated in lower cadres or stereotyped program areas. The conclusion underscores the significance of reforming institutional policies to promote inclusivity and fair representation. By documenting structural barriers and proposing strategies for improvement, the study contributes to scholarship on media, gender studies, and communication policy, while providing evidence-based recommendations for addressing inequality in Nigerian broadcasting.