Performing the News: Identity, Authority, and the Myth of Neutrality explores how journalists from historically marginalized groups have long felt pressure to conform when performing for audiences. Many speak with a flat, "neutral" accent, modify their delivery to hide distinctive vocal attributes, dress conventionally to appeal to the "average" viewer, and maintain a consistent appearance to avoid unwanted attention. Their aim is what author Elia Powers refers to as performance neutrality--presentation that is deemed unobjectionable, reveals little about journalists' social identity, and supposedly does not detract from their message. Increasingly, journalists are challenging restrictive, purportedly 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.

Author: Elia Powers
Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Rutgers University Press
Published: 09/13/2024
Pages: 228
Weight: 0.7lbs
Size: 8.90h x 6.40w x 0.80d
ISBN: 9781978836679

About the Author
Elia M. Powers is an associate professor of journalism at Towson University, Towson, Maryland. Formerly a news and feature writer, he is now a contributing editor and independent podcast producer/host.