Paper has role to play in highlighting women
FOR years, I have been complaining about the unequal gender balance of sports reporting in the Otago Daily
Times.
However, frontpage news on May 1 reported the ODT was ‘‘leading in women’s sports coverage’’.
Perhaps I’ve been getting it wrong? Well, apparently 19.5% gets you the No 1 spot in New Zealand for coverage of women’s sports.
The male sports reporter covering the story and the male ODT sports editor seemed to think that 19.5 % was worth celebrating, and the male Sport Otago chief executive offered the ODT a ‘‘pat on the back’’.
Stories about men’s sports in the
ODT are taking up over 80% of this space on average (and on the days I checked, a whole lot more), and what this tells my 12yearold daughter, and all other young women in New Zealand, is that the sports field is not a place for her. That women’s sport is a small aside to the main event — men’s sports.
Representation matters. If young women don’t see what is happening in women’s sports, they don’t think it’s happening, and they don’t think it’s an option for them.
ODT, you are literally shaping people’s lives. Women’s sports are happening — look for them, report them and help them grow.
Be a real leader — help get little girls trying out sports, show young women we respect their sports performances as much as we respect young men’s sports performances, tell the stories.
Siobhan McKinlay
Opoho
[Otago Daily Times sports editor Steve Hepburn replies:
‘‘Your comments are noted. The ODT stands by its coverage of all sports. Sports coverage is primarily based on news value.’’]
Noise complaint
I WAS interested in this statement from inner city landlord Billee Marsh in the article about venue noise (ODT,
29.4.21): ‘‘This quarter of Moray Pl needs to be recognised and valued by council as a residential enclave and policy needs to reflect support and protection.’’
It is ridiculous to expect Moray Pl, which surrounds the Octagon, the heart of Dunedin’s night time entertainment district, to be designated a quiet zone.
Chris Wilson
North East Valley
Bowel screening
IN 2019, my husband was invited to participate in the bowel screening trial. As he was fit and healthy, he almost didn’t.
A positive result — the tumour was removed by a very skilled surgeon, Mr Woodfield, and nurses, and he entered the oncology system. He now has a much longer life expectancy than he would have if the trial hadn’t been rolled out ‘‘early’’.
He was very angry at the time that it should have been rolled out through the whole of New Zealand. People’s health must always come before money.
Jackie Fogden
Broad Bay
Reunion
Taieri and Mosgiel Schools: 150th reunion, Labour Weekend, October 2224. Taieri College, The Taieri High School, Mosgiel Intermediate School and Mosgiel District High School. Registration: taieri.school.nz or email alumni@taieri.school.nz ....................................
BIBLE READING: The secret things belong to the Lord our God. — Deuteronomy 29.29