Who Cites Whom? The overrepresentation of male-cited sources in the most shared climate change news stories

Abstract

While journalists work tirelessly to identify relevant, credible, and diverse sources to support the news stories they cover, not everyone is equally heard. This study examines gender gaps in sourcing on the Lithuanian national broadcaster LRT. lt in the most popular news stories that cover climate change. It analyzes national or international coverage, institutional backing, and type of testimony (prestige, expert, lay) by cross-tabulating these results with the gender of the reporter. Results show that sourcing is still predominantly male, with female sources making up only a third. Male journalists largely cite male sources, while females cite both genders. Male sources are mainly prestige testimonies, whereas female sources present lay testimonies. We contextualize this study within the framework of gender mainstreaming efforts, previously advocated for in climate change research.