Butler University Fall Academic Workshop Focuses on Anti-Racism

Today, I attended Butler University's Virtual Fall Academic Workshop that focused on anti-racism. Several good sessions, but the highlight was the Q and A with Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, moderated by Dr. Brooke Barnett of the College of Communication. Dr. Kendi argued that just as research, teaching, and service are required for promotion and tenure, diversity work should also be required. We ended the day by individually reflecting on our commitment to anti-racism through personal and professional development.

Some of the Zoom sessions from today's workshop

 

Textbook for Fall Gender and News class

I have decided to use the book Journalism, Gender and Power edited by Cynthia Carter, Linda Steiner and Stuart Allan in my Gender and News: Global Views class this semester. This book came out in 2019 and is fully updated from the 1998 version. Excited!

 

New Publication: Newsroom Cultures

My contribution on newsroom cultures was just published in the International Encyclopedia of Gender, Media, and Communication. Below is the abstract:

Newsroom cultures around the world are dominated by a masculine culture. This is not only because men make up the majority of news workers, but also because of established news values and news routines. Men entered newsrooms long before women did, and women are still considered to be outsiders in what has been described as a “blokey,” “macho,” or “locker room” culture. Women are often expected to cover less important soft news stories, while men cover hard news. Men dominate at the top levels of newsroom hierarchies, with women facing the glass ceiling and unequal pay. Long working hours are a deterrent for female journalists, who often are also responsible for taking care of family members and children. Women face physical and online harassment, as well as sexual harassment, and are often judged on their youthfulness and appearance. Future studies should focus more on intersectionality as well as the experiences of nonbinary people.

The Summer of Webinars

I have been spending time this summer on what Butler University calls Pivot Pedagogy, basically preparing us for a very uncertain fall semester. In addition, I have attended several workshops on diversity, inclusion, and equity -- so important at this time. 

Working from Home in Uncertain Times

JMCE Publishes Special Section on WJEC syndicates

Very excited to receive my copy of Journalism & Mass Communication Educator in the mail today. I co-edited the special section on the World Journalism Education Congress with Elanie Steyn and Robyn Goodman. I also co-authored the syndicate report on "Educating Journalism Students on Gender and Inequality" with Ingrid Bachmann and Mia Moody-Ramirez.

Journalist Leila Fadel visits Butler University

NPR National Correspondent Leila Fadel visited my Gender and News class today. Stimulating conversation!

With Leila Fadel in class

Pretty Snow Outside Fairbanks Building

Journalist Wendi C. Thomas visits Butler University

Wendi C. Thomas, founder, editor and publisher of MLK50: Justice through Journalism, visited both my classes yesterday and shared her vision of journalism that disrupts the status quo. It was inspiring to hear her talk last night!

With Wendi

Named as Member of Butler All-Star Faculty Team

I am very honored to have been named a member of the Butler University All-Star Faculty Team last night. I received my certificate right before the beginning of the Men's Basketball game against Seton Hall in Hinkle Fieldhouse.