News Coverage investigates how journalism portrays women and gender-related topics, revealing biases that shape public opinion. The book argues that despite progress, systemic biases persist in newsrooms, impacting whose voices are amplified and how stories are framed. It employs framing theory, agenda-setting, and gatekeeping concepts to dissect these biases, offering a comprehensive understanding of gender representation in news media.
Case studies explore coverage of women in politics, gender-based violence, and workplace equality across various news formats. The book uniquely focuses on intersectionality, acknowledging how gender intersects with race, class, and sexual orientation. By analyzing massive datasets, conducting content analyses, and interviewing journalists, it uncovers patterns of bias, stereotypes, and omissions.
The latter portion of the book shifts to practical solutions and ethical guidelines for journalists. It proposes strategies for promoting gender-inclusive reporting, addressing unconscious bias, enhancing diversity within newsrooms, and advocating for greater representation of women in leadership.
Targeted towards journalism students, practicing journalists, and media critics, News Coverage equips readers with tools to critically evaluate news coverage. It connects fields like political science, sociology, and ethics to understand media influence on gender and social norms. Ultimately, the book champions fairness, accuracy, and context in journalism, challenging the notion of objectivity as a shield against addressing systemic inequalities.
