Examining the Multiple Media Representations and Curricular Narratives of African Americans in Television Journalism

• In Event: Poster Session 3

Session Type: Poster Session

Abstract

Using a visual news frame analysis (Rodriguez and Dimitrova, 2011), this study identifies and deconstructs the variety of framings of Black students in Chicago television journalism. The author examines the various techniques that journalists use (i.e. camera angles, reaction shots, etc.) when reporting on ‘newsworthy’ events concerning Black youths’ experiences in and outside of the classroom. This study suggests that these myopic representations of Black students in the news media are used to supplement prevailing and troublesome notions of the need to “fix” low-performing schools, thus serving the political and economic needs of media conglomerates. Through these visual representations, images of Black students serve as propaganda and thus positioned as in need of “saving” through neoliberal policies concerning educational “reform”.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Media, Culture, and Curriculum

Papers

• 48. Examining the Multiple Media Representations and Curricular Narratives of African Americans in Television Journalism - Karla R Manning, University of Wisconsin - Madison