Date of Award

2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Digital Journalism (MADJ)

First Supervisor/Advisor

Lydia Radoli

Second Supervisor/Advisor

Mr. David Aduda

Department

Graduate School of Media and Communications

Abstract

Correspondents in the media organizations in Kenya face myriad challenges to remuneration, working conditions, and job security. These challenges have a direct effect on their performance at the workplace. Correspondents play a pivotal role in the success of media organizations, and research shows that they contribute about 80 percent of media content (Devex, 2022). Odhiambo (2002) states that correspondents are paid on retainers and sometimes need reasonable contracts, making them vulnerable. However, female correspondents face double challenges based on their gender. There is a gender bias in newsrooms, with male correspondents dominating (Selva & Andi, 2020). Often, female correspondents are given soft assignments with little impact on their career projections. This study investigated the experiences of female correspondents in newsrooms, explicitly examining their performance when faced with challenging assignments that place them in difficult situations during their daily routines. The research focuses on female correspondents contributing to Kenya Broadcasting Corporation and Nation Media Group, particularly in the Coast Region. The data collection method involved conducting interviews, wherein the researcher interviewed female correspondents to gather insights into their experiences while carrying out their daily responsibilities within their respective media organizations. The study presents comprehensive findings on female correspondents' working conditions, coping mechanisms, and contributions to the Kenyan media industry. The study acknowledges positive strides towards gender equality in newsrooms while identifying persisting challenges aligning with feminist media theory and the expectancy theory of motivation. Coping mechanisms employed by female correspondents, such as collaborative relationships and continuous learning, resonate with both theoretical frameworks, emphasizing the importance of a supportive work environment and proactive strategies for overcoming challenges. The significant contributions of female correspondents align with feminist media theory's goal of empowering women within media organizations and expectancy theory, highlighting the connection between effort and positive outcomes. The study underscores the need for inclusive and supportive practices in media organizations, offering implications for practice and recommendations for policy, theorists/academia, management of media houses, and practitioners. Further research suggestions include exploring intersectionality, conducting comparative studies, longitudinal analyses, and investigating experiences in the digital media landscape.

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