Annotated Bibliography

Wasburn, P. C., & Wasburn M. H. (2011). Media coverage of women in politics: The curious case of Sarah Palin. Media Culture Society, 33, 1027-1041. doi: 10.1177/016344371145744

Dr. Philo Wasburn and Dr. Mara Wasburn are both professors at Purdue University, Indiana. Each has over 40 years of experience in the academic field, and together they have dozens of books and articles published across numerous journals, gaining them both a credible reputation. This article explores the phenomenon of gendered reporting, and its influence in media coverage of women in politics, particularly those in high profile roles. When establishing the argument the authors address five points from previous research that suggest media coverage of women in politics: receive less attention than their male counterparts; discussions focus on comparatively trivial subjects; focus is largely on ‘woman’s issues’ such as abortion, childcare, education and environment; women receive more negative coverage in terms of their ability to provide effective leadership; and, questions are raised about the influence of a woman candidate should she be elected. This article questions these assumptions by conducting a qualitative and quantitative analysis of media coverage Sarah Palin received as part of her 2008 campaign as the Republican candidate for Vice President of the United States. The continuous referral the coverage Palin received in Newsweek and Time magazines, is justified by the dominance each has as part of a major media corporation and the heavy reliance other news sources have on these ‘elite’ new source publications. They conclude, with exclusion of the first point, the points above actually promoted Palin with an ‘attractive, tough, hockey mom’ image who expressed the concerns of ordinary people, which attracted large audiences.  It recommended that the distinctive qualities of individual politicians and their particular political environment be taken into consideration in any future study of political women.

The three journalism texts that follow aim to demonstrate how gendered reporting exists, or rather doesn’t, in other media climates around the world, with a different political figure.

refLECTURE X: "Puppets on a String"

Everyone has an agenda. While agenda setting may only be a 'theory', like many of Einstein's theories, it's pretty much law. But there are two sub theories in terms of the media: that it suggests what the public should focus on according to frequency and prominence in coverage; and that suggests how people should think about an issue.

There's reality. But then there's how we come to know of it, talk about it, understand it, and form our own opinion of it. This is a product of four agendas: what the public perceive as important, what the policy and decision makers think are important, what corporations believe are important, and then there's the issues discussed in the media. The mass media does not produce an unaltered reflection of reality, but rather they 'filter and shape it'.

The Podcast Preacher

Move over television. Goodbye radio. And print... well I never really loved you anyway (just joking print). But seriously, I've got a new love in my life. He's so portable, he's so multitaskable. He's the humble podcast.

Now, now, now. Before you rant and rave at me. "Duh... podcasts have been around for years" "Living under a rock?" "Really? Only now..." No! I have previously dabbled in some podcasts, often super nerdy educational ones, *cough* Stuff You Should Know *cough* Dr. Karl on Triple J *cough*  . Often the main purpose of listening to which was... well... falling asleep. Now that I've discovered comedy podcasts, needless to say it's changed why I listen to podcasts.

I've always loved comedy. Who doesn't right? Well, so many people 'think' they love comedy, but really they love a, one, singular comedian. These people often don't know any other comedians, except for those on television regularly, and have probably never seen standup live. In my opinion, these people do not 'love' comedy. But in terms of comedy podcasts, most people's consumption is limited to Hamish and Andy, and that's only if they missed them on the drive home on Friday. But I'm here to open your ears to another range of comedy podcasts. All Australian. All hilarious. Let's get to it.

Brief description time.

refLECTURE IX: "Human Sieves"

News values. It decides what is news and what is not. Adhering to its law are the 'human sieves', also known as editors. They sift through the torrent of potential stories determining which are 'newsworthy' according to news values. But what grants a story the prestigious title of 'newsworthy'? There's more to an editor's decision than simply an eye for a good story in addition to years of experience.

Unfortunately, like so many things in journalism, news values are not just one 'thing'. Our lecture discussed scholarly definitions, modern reinterpretations and additions. Faced with 'The Big Six', the ten simple steps, and 'The 12+ Factors'... well it was all a bit repetitious. Sure there were a few words changed here and there, additions and subtractions, but I think below covers the most of it. And in no particular order...

Watch. It. Now.

I'm not one for action. Not because I don't like the fight scenes. I love fight scenes. They just tend to have such boring story lines. Now, not saying that The Avengers had the greatest story line of all time, in fact I was probably just in awe of all the super heroes not to notice, but honestly guys... it was awesome!

Breaking box office records it's on track to be one of the highest grossing films of ALL TIME. Usually, I would scoff at such titles, but this one's well deserved. While I can appreciate the Scarlett Johansson sex appeal, when it came to her character Black Widow and Hawkeye, I couldn't help but feel like the spy and the archer were sub-par in terms of superhero status, and for some reason that bothered me.

As for everything else, and I mean EVERYTHING. Loved it. The actors, their performances, the storyline flow, the graphics, even the 3D. The Hulk even provided some timely and effective comic relief. An unexpected twist.

But I'm worried. There is a downside to this incredibly successful franchise. The threat of unsuccessful spin-offs. Thor, Ironman, and Captain America all have their own varying degrees of successful spin-offs, but Blackwidow... really?

Regardless of any potential future mistakes with the franchise it, to use the tween, is 'so hot right now'. So go on, ch-ch-check it out! Before it becomes one of those classics that people talk about and you haven't seen...

refLECTURE VIII: "Crocodile Tears"

Journalists 'scrutinise power, but also exercise it, and should be accountable. Accountability engenders trust. Without trust, journalists do not fulfill their public responsibilities' according to the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance. And so we had this coming. 'The Talk'. The first of many talks about ETHICS. Good taste verses bad taste. Ethical verses unethical. Who decides where the lines are drawn? The journalist, the corporation they work for, the regulatory body, or the consumers? This was what I was left wondering.

Before I walked in there was obvious expectations to hear regurgitated ramblings about 'Uncle Rupert' and News of the World. And more about how phone hacking celebrities boarders on distasteful and unethical, while doing the same to a deceased school girl is outright unethical... at least according to public opinion. But rather our ethical and taste radars were put to the test on several controversial advertisements. Never did find out how I scored...