Debunking a myth: Lesley Stahl's legendary 1984 campaign news segment

Article Abstract:

There has been widespread discussion about a CBS News piece by Lesley Stahl on Ronald Reagan's 1984 campaign. She was critical of Reagan, but Deputy Chief of Staff Richard Darman stated that the strong and emotional pictures used in the piece overwhelmed the spoken word, thus benefiting Reagan. Close investigation reveals that this story does not live up to its reputation of validating the view that pictures are more powerful than words. In fact, the powerful pictures were accompanied by a narration that explicitly acknowledged Reagan's strengths but made only vague criticisms. In this way, it backed up the messages in the positive pictures.

Presidential candidates, Media coverage, Reagan, Ronald

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Opportunity squandered - newspapers and women's news

Article Abstract:

Women form 52% of the population, and their readership of dailies is lower than men's, but they are more likely to read magazines and books than daily news. Newspapers have wasted several opportunities to report news of interest to women. Journalists must face facts, alter traditional definitions of news to suit present changes, induct standards of taste, decency, and compassion into reporting, and recognize their responsibility to men and women readers of all races and cultures.

Women, Surveys, Newspaper reading

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News-speak and "genderlect" - (it's only news if you can sell it)

Article Abstract:

Women journalists have a male sensibility but a female-style presentation, and this is analyzed in Deborah Tannen's book, 'You just don't understand: men and women in conversation,' which suggests that men and women speak in different genderlects. Male journalists need to appear knowledgeable, and interested more in business, but female journalists are ready to begin with curiosity, and are more interested in people.

Criticism and interpretation, Women journalists, You Just Don't understand: Men and Women in Conversation.(book)

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