Performing the News (e-book) (used book) | Elia Powers | bookbook.eu

Description

Performing the News: Identity, Authority, & the Myth of Neutrality explores a problem that is often overlooked in discourse on diversity, equity, and inclusion: Journalists from historically marginalized groups have long felt pressure to conform when performing for audiences. They speak with a flat accent, modify their delivery to hide distinctive vocal attributes, dress conventionally to appeal to the so-called middle, and maintain a consistent appearance to avoid unwanted attention. Their aim is what author Elia M. Powers refers to as "performance neutrality"--presentation that is deemed unobjectionable, reveals little about journalists' social identity, and doesn't detract from their message. Increasingly, journalists are challenging restrictive, supposedly neutral forms of self-presentation. This book argues that performance neutrality is a myth that reinforces the status quo, limits on-air diversity, and hinders efforts to make newsrooms more inclusive. Through in-depth interviews with journalists in broadcasting and podcasting, and those who shape their performance, the author suggests ways to make journalism more inclusive and representative of diverse audiences.