For the purpose of analysing the allocation of news beats based on gender in two national dailies, I have chosen *The Times of India* and *The Hindu*. Both of these newspapers have wide circulation and influence in India, and examining how they assign news beats to journalists can reveal underlying patterns of gender representation in media. News beats refer to the specific areas of reporting such as politics, sports, crime, lifestyle, education, business, and more. The allocation of these beats often reflects organizational priorities, newsroom culture, and perceptions of gendered expertise or suitability. In *The Times of India*, as in many mainstream media outlets, there is a visible trend where male journalists are predominantly assigned to “hard news” beats such as politics, crime, national security, economy, and sports. This pattern persists despite growing awareness of gender equality in journalism. A review of the bylines in the politics section of *The Times of India* shows that a significant majority of articles on parliamentary debates, government policy changes, and electoral developments are written by male reporters. This trend suggests that decision-making about beat allocation often associates authority, analytical depth, and public affairs expertise with male journalists. For instance, during election coverage, senior correspondents reporting on campaign strategies, voter behaviour, and candidate controversies are more likely to be male. Such assignments are not only high-profile but can also shape public opinion, indicating greater trust placed in male reporters for critical national issues. By contrast, female journalists in *The Times of India* appear more frequently in sections such as lifestyle, health, education, and human interest stories. These beats, while important, are traditionally perceived as “soft news,” revolving around personal experiences, culture, wellbeing, and social trends. When women report on lifestyle features, profiles of celebrities, parenting advice, or fashion trends, there is often an assumption that they bring relatability or empathy to these topics. However, this clustering of women in soft news beats can limit visibility and professional growth, as these assignments are often lower in prestige and influence compared to