A Quantitative Analysis of Photographs and Articles on espnW : Positive Progress for Female Athletes
Positive Progress for Female Athletes

<jats:p> espnW is ESPN, Inc.’s first initiative developed specifically for female fans and female athletes. To date, no comprehensive analysis of photographs or articles on the espnW website has been published. This study is a quantitative analysis of the first 6 months of photographs and feature articles of espnW to ascertain how the site covers athletes and sports. Results reveal that female athletes are covered photographically in unprecedented ways from mainstream media on espnW, both in frequency and in seriousness of coverage as measured by athletes in uniform, on the playing surface, and in action. Additionally, feature articles portray female athletes as serious competitors by highlighting athletic performance and psychological/emotional strengths instead of focusing on athletes’ physical appearance, family roles, or personal relationships. Although some depictions mirror past representations, where female athletes are represented more than male athletes in individual sports and more at the recreational level of sport, these factors pale in comparison to the number of factors that showcase female athletes as serious competitors. </jats:p>