Financial pressure, stalled growth and a lack of progress on equity are driving women out of the media industry, according to the Women in Media Industry Insight Report 2025 released today.
Career dissatisfaction among women has risen to 59% – the highest level in four years. For the second year in a row, pay has overtaken all other factors as the leading driver of attrition, with 29% citing it as their primary concern. One in three women is considering leaving their job, and nearly half are looking to exit the industry altogether.
“This year’s report shows women are unconvinced by gender equality efforts. They want action,” said Petra Buchanan, report author and strategic advisor to Women in Media. “Media plays a powerful role in shaping how Australians see themselves and understand gender. Yet women working in the sector report little on-the-ground progress to address persistent disparities.
“Women are calling on media employers to lead with intent and communicate how they are addressing workplace issues, from closing the gender pay gap to implementing meaningful structural and cultural reform. Employer and industry action is essential to address inequity and ensure women thrive.”
Despite reforms such as WGEA pay transparency and Respect@Work legislation, 74% of women say their employer has not taken clear action, or communicated it, on gender pay disparities. Meanwhile, 78% report no meaningful improvement in culture or safety.
Buchanan added: “Progress demands more than policies, it requires visible leadership, open dialogue, and a genuine commitment to building workplaces where women can grow, lead and be heard.”
Key Findings – 2025 Women in Media Industry Insight Report
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Career dissatisfaction: 59% of women feel uncertain or dissatisfied with career progress (▲2% from 2024).
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Intention to leave: 37% are considering quitting (▲3%). Attrition is highest among mid-career and senior women.
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Remuneration: Leading driver of attrition (29% ▲3%), followed by lack of opportunity (26%) and disengagement (16%).
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Perception of employer action: 74% haven’t seen clear steps on gender equity despite WGEA progress; 54% say industry shows a weak commitment to gender equality.
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Top career barriers: Lack of promotional opportunity (45% ▲7%), caregiving (19%), and lack of managerial support (17%).
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Daily challenges: Budget cuts (48%), workload (47%), and limited pathways to promotion (46%) persist.
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AI and upskilling: 71% feel positive about AI use; strong demand exists for training in negotiation, leadership and finance.
Structural Imbalance in Leadership
Despite women comprising 41% of the media workforce, they hold just 23% of CEO/MD roles. The average gender pay gap in the media is 10%, reaching 16.4% in publishing and 11.8% in broadcasting.
Multi Year Trends (2022–2025)
|
Indicator |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Career dissatisfaction |
56% |
54% |
57% |
59% ▲2% |
|
|
Weak industry commitment to equality |
– |
55% |
56% |
54% ▼2% |
|
|
Considering leaving job |
– |
32% |
34% |
37% ▲3% |
|
|
Pay as primary reason to leave |
27% |
23% |
26% |
29% ▲3% |
|
|
Media industry gender pay gap (avg) |
– |
– |
– |
10% |
Recommendations for Employers
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Commit to gender equity: Enhance transparency and commitment to gender equality in the workplace, including pay.
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Clearer pathways to promotion: Define and communicate career opportunities to aid progression.
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Stay the course: Maintain focus on reforms and close the communication gap.
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Elevate women: Increase leadership participation to tackle persistent structural imbalance.
Key Facts:
Download the full 2025 report and summary: https://bit.ly/WIM-Insight-Report-2025 (available on June 9)
About us:
ABOUT THE WOMEN IN MEDIA INDUSTRY INSIGHT REPORT
The Women in Media Industry Insight Report is an annual, evidence-based analysis of women’s professional experiences in the Australian media industry. Based on a national survey of over 300 professionals, it captures key challenges, aspirations, and workplace realities. Respondents broadly reflect national population proportions. The voluntary sample maintains a standard margin of error. The report tracks trends, monitors multi-year shifts, and identifies areas for structural and cultural reform. The research aims to advance gender equality, expand leadership and economic opportunities for women, and foster safer, more respectful workplace cultures across Australia. It has been conducted annually by Women in Media since 2022. Survey analysis is conducted by research partner Isentia.
ABOUT WOMEN IN MEDIA
Women in Media is a national DGR registered charity that exists to help women in media excel, learn, contribute and connect. With a community of more than 6,700 and branches in each state and territory, we represent women working in all facets of the media including journalism, communications, production, public relations, advertising, marketing, publishing and digital media. Our initiatives aim to increase gender equality, extend leadership and economic participation opportunities for women, and build a safer, more respectful culture in Australian workplaces. For more information visit: www.womeninmedia.com.au.
Contact details:
Media Assets, including social graphics and full report HERE
Report author Petra Buchanan available for comment/interview.
Media Contact: Karen Eck [email protected] 0438 532 569
