Association for Women in Sports Media

The Association for Women in Sports Media (AWSM) is an American volunteer-managed, 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1987 as a support network and advocacy group for women who work in sports writing, editing, broadcast and production, and public and media relations.[1] The membership of more than 700 men and women includes professionals in the industry and students aspiring to sports media careers.[2]

AWSM was formed in 1987 by four California sportswriters, Nancy Cooney, Susan Fornoff, Michele Himmelberg and Kristin Huckshorn—to create a strong network and advocacy group for the few women who were working at the time in sports media. Forty people attended AWSM's first annual convention in 1988 in Oakland, California.

15 years prior to the creation of the Association for Women in Sports Media, the Title XI law was put into place. This law stated that discrimination would not be tolerated when it came to access and how women were treated whether playing a sport, or reporting on a sport.

AWSM works to promote and increase diversity in sports media through its internship/scholarship program, which has placed about 100 female college students in paid internships since 1990, as well as through mentoring links and career-enhancement initiatives. AWSM annually pays tribute to individuals who have paved the way for women in sports media with the Mary Garber Pioneer Award, and the organization helps those who encounter roadblocks on the trails yet to be blazed.

Studies involving members of the Association for Women in Sports Media

Several studies were conducted, involving members of the Association for Women in Sports Media, such as one conducted by Indiana University students. That study found that majority of the women within the sports field, that were also members of the association felt as though they were treated fairly. The study also concluded that some women still felt as though they were given the short end of the stick when it came to the amount of assignments they received working with male athletes. (Hardin, Marie; Shain, Stacie (2005-12-01).

Another survey of 200 women, also members of the Association for Women in Sports Media was conducted. This survey found that more women working in the sports media field, resulted in women’s sports being broadcast more frequently. The study also concluded that women have grown accustom to males dominating the field, which has helped women accept their role, and strive to do the same work as men. (Smucker, Michael K.; Whisenant, Warren A.; Pedersen, Paul M. (2003-10-01))

70 additional members of the Association for Women in Sports Media was also conducted, finding the women felt as though the pay, assignments given, and treatment by the administration was fair, and they were unable to identify any gaps within the companies they worked for, primarily newspapers. (Miloch, Kimberly S.; Pedersen, Paul M.; Smucker, Michael K.; Whisenant, Warren A. (2005-09-01).

References
  1. Tina V. Hall (2000). "Association for Women in Sports Media, 1987–Present". In Elizabeth V. Burt (ed.). Women's Press Organizations, 1881-1999. Greenwood Publishing Group. pp. 21–26. ISBN 978-0-313-30661-7.
  2. Smucker, Michael K.; Whisenant, Warren A.; Pedersen, Paul M. (2003-10-01). "An Investigation of Job Satisfaction and Female Sports Journalists". Sex Roles. 49 (7): 401–407. doi:10.1023/A:1025120406343. ISSN 1573-2762.
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