Transforming the news media. Overcoming old and new gender inequalities

Gender inequalities have been at the core of debates and studies about media and communication for a long time. The media – as meaning-making institutions, and as an important economic sector – have been recognized as both a hindrance to advancements in gender equality across societies, and a possible solution to persist- ing stereotypes and discrimination. In this chapter we build on a consolidated body of knowledge and map out current international initiatives aimed at mainstreaming gender in and through the media; but we also argue that new lenses and approaches are needed to understand current transformations, mostly due to digital develop- ments and globalization processes. We do so by addressing questions concerning the impact and implications of digital technologies in relation to working condi- tions in the news media, and by discussing the potential for change that may derive from gender-aware media policies and regulatory mechanisms in a multi-actor and multi-level environment.