News Corp’s women’s sport strategy a resounding success

Australia’s sporting greats are among those who have helped drive News Corp’s women’s sport strategy, encouraging more women and girls to follow and play sport.

It’s less than a year since News Corp launched its new women’s sport strategy, and a commitment to deliver unprecedented coverage of women’s sport across its platforms.

Today on International Women’s Day, News Corp celebrates and thanks all involved — including athletes such as Ash Barty, Jess Fox and Ellyse Perry — who have helped us address the under representation of women’s sport through increased editorial coverage.

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In the past 12 months, News Corp has increased the volume of women’s sports stories by 58 per cent which has resulted in an 83 per cent increase in consumption of women’s sport.

“We have a responsibility to make women’s sports more visible and more accessible,” News Corp’s Women’s Sports editor Selina Steele said.

“And by doing so, we showcase and celebrate the talent of our female athletes but also play a key role in inspiring girls and women to participate in sports at the community and elite level.

Women's sport takes centre stage on News Corp platforms.

“It is also our role to critically navigate the hard conversations of gender pay gaps, fat-shaming, sexual abuse, domestic violence, women’s health issues, toxic cultures and structural inequality.

“We are thrilled to see women’s sport elevated in our pages and on our platforms, and making national and international headlines, but there is still much to be done.”

National sports editor Matt Kitchin acknowledges the rising tide of women’s sport and the importance of a media coverage to match.

“It’s hard to deny the growing media attention on women’s sport,” Kitchin said.

“Just reflect on the Aussie women’s dominance at the Tokyo Olympics last year and the level of serious journalism we committed to the coverage.

“Those incredible performances underpinned News Corp Australia’s biggest digital audience for an Olympics ever.

“Recognising the incredible growth of women’s sport in Australia, Selina Steele was appointed national women’s sports editor last year to lift our focus.

“Selina made an immediate impact, leading News Corp’s award-winning reporting of abuse, bullying and a toxic culture in the Matildas.”

Selina Steele is spearheading News Corp’s unprecedented coverage of women’s sport. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

News Corp’s publishing of women’s sport at the grassroots level has also increased over the past year through our community sport live streaming initiatives.

More than 10,000 hours of women’s sport has been viewed by our subscribers online across several sports including netball, hockey, rugby league, basketball and water polo.

Season-long live streaming seasons have included several of the top emerging women’s sports leagues including the Tarsha Gale Cup, AFL NAB League Girls and Victorian Netball League.

The company has also invested resources into showcasing the best female talents at several national and state-level carnivals including the Water Polo Australia junior championships, Basketball Victoria Country Championships and South Australian Track and Field Championships.

Sport really does have the power to change the world and today is about celebrating and applauding all women on – and off the field.

Originally published as News Corp’s women’s sport strategy a resounding success