Date of Award

4-21-2014

Document Type

Research Paper

First Advisor

Eric Lindgren

Abstract

This paper will be presenting to you my findings of the news industry in relation to gender and stereotypical fulfillment. I have compared the role of women reporters to that of men. I will also be using my personal experiences from my four internships within the KTLA News Station in Los Angeles, California to further support the claims gathered through my research. This paper is taking the stance that female journalists need their equal chance to succeed and prove their legitimacy in order to compete with men in the male-dominated industry of television news. This can happen with the stop in media automatically deeming female anchors into the “cheerleader” role (supporting their male co-anchors). Based on my research and academic findings, the consensus is that the television remains as a powerful tool; television news and their anchors are more powerful than presumed. My thesis is that female television journalists (reporters and anchors) are being put into these positions because of their visual appeal. This paper begins with females in the male dominated profession of news reporting and brings to light the socialization that is restricting them from reaching equal success and credibility as a man delivering the news. Next, the paper will show the effects of gendered roles in regards to a female’s level of professionalism followed by an explanation of ‘credible’ female journalists by pinpointing the traits that make these women stand out. I will then lead into the audience of television news and focus on the importance of the viewers and reflect how much of an impact they hold over the news being delivered-including their influence to the bigger mediums of television news networks. Finally, this paper will conclude with my interpretations of the media’s power and role in contemporary American society.

Comments

WSP Major: Contemporary Studies in American Journalism

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