A new study shows that Danish media’s most cited experts in 2025 were predominantly men between 50 and 60 years old. Only three women made the list of 50 most frequently quoted experts, down from five in 2024.
Male Dominance Persists in Danish Media Expert Citations
The latest analysis of expert sources in Danish media reveals a striking gender imbalance. For the sixth consecutive year, DM Akademikerbladet has compiled data on which experts appear most frequently in Danish newspapers, radio, and television. The results show little progress toward gender equality.
Out of 50 experts who were cited most often in 2025, only three were women. Surprisingly, this represents a decline from the previous year when five women appeared on the list. None of the experts featured, regardless of gender, have minority backgrounds or are foreigners.
The majority of experts on the list are men aged between 50 and 60. In fact, 19 of the featured experts are over 60 years old, while the youngest person on the list is just 36. This age distribution highlights not only a gender gap but also a generational one in media representation.
Defense Experts Lead the Rankings
For the second year in a row, Peter Viggo Jakobsen, a lecturer in defense and security policy at the Danish Defense Academy, topped the list. He was quoted 1,361 times across print, online, radio, and television. Interestingly, international media also began seeking his expertise in 2025, particularly American outlets.
Denmark has seen increased international attention on various issues, and defense experts have been particularly sought after given global tensions. Jakobsen noted that his media appearances serve as part of a national preparedness effort, allowing him to speak more directly than government officials might on sensitive topics.
Following Jakobsen in the rankings was Flemming Splidsboel Hansen, a senior researcher in defense and security policy at the Danish Institute for International Studies. Third place went to Roger Buch, a research lecturer in municipal politics at the Danish School of Media and Journalism.
The Three Women on the List
The highest-ranked woman on the list was Isabel Bramsen, a lecturer in peace and conflict studies at Lund University, who placed 40th. Professor Marlene Wind, an expert in European politics at the University of Copenhagen, came in at number 49. Eva Sørensen, a professor of municipal politics at Roskilde University, rounded out the list at number 50.
The absence of more women experts reflects broader patterns in media representation. Despite efforts to increase diversity in expert sources, progress remains slow. Meanwhile, 20 of the experts appearing on the 2025 list were completely new compared to the previous year, showing some turnover in who journalists turn to for commentary.
Subject Areas Dominated by Security Concerns
Given the ongoing conflicts and geopolitical tensions around the world, defense and security policy experts dominated the list. However, researchers specializing in climate issues, Arctic politics, and electoral studies also featured prominently.
The top ten includes a mix of expertise areas. Frederik Waage, a professor of constitutional and administrative law at the University of Southern Denmark, ranked fourth. Ulrik Pram Gad, a senior researcher in Arctic politics at the Danish Institute for International Studies, came in fifth. This reflects Denmark’s strategic interests in the Arctic region.
Municipal politics also captured significant media attention, with two experts in this field making the top ten. Ulrik Kjær, a professor of municipal politics at the University of Southern Denmark, placed sixth, while Roger Buch held the third position overall.
Educational Backgrounds and Institutional Affiliations
Most experts on the list hold positions at Danish universities or research institutions. The Defense Academy, various universities, and the Danish Institute for International Studies were particularly well represented. This pattern suggests that journalists tend to turn to established academic institutions when seeking expert commentary.
Naturally, the concentration of experts from specific institutions raises questions about diversity not just in gender and age, but also in perspectives and institutional cultures. When the same voices dominate public discourse, alternative viewpoints may receive less attention.
Implications for Media Diversity
The findings highlight ongoing challenges in achieving balanced representation in media. Despite increased awareness of diversity issues, the gender gap among cited experts has actually widened from 2024 to 2025. This suggests that simply being aware of the problem is insufficient without active measures to address it.
The lack of experts with minority backgrounds or international perspectives also limits the range of viewpoints available to Danish audiences. As Denmark navigates complex global challenges, diverse expert voices could enrich public debate and policy discussions.
Obviously, this pattern affects not just media representation but also public perception of who holds expertise and authority on important issues. When audiences predominantly see older men as experts, it reinforces stereotypes about who can be knowledgeable authorities.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: Denmark Faces Scrutiny Over Alleged Illegal Adoptions
The Danish Dream: Best Universities in Denmark for Foreigners
DR: Her er de tre eneste kvinder på mandsdomineret ekspertliste
