Department of Journalism, Public Relations and New Media
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Item Race, faith and fear: general press and black press coverage of Arabs, Muslims and the stigma of terrorism in the United States.(2006-07-22T23:11:20Z) Stone, Robert P.; Stone, Sara J.; Journalism.; Baylor University. Dept. of Journalism.The global impact of the events of September 11, 2001, provoked an interest in American media coverage of terrorism. With African-Americans making up more than 12 percent of the country’s population and more than 40 percent of the country’s Muslim population, an overview of black press coverage of race relations is juxtaposed with mainstream (white-owned) press coverage of black Americans. An account of the general press' mostly negative coverage of Arab-Americans and Muslims as potential terrorists follows. Clashing viewpoints of the black press and the general press are best explained by the idea that news is culture, reflecting the historical experiences and psychological and sociological makeup of white and black Americans. This content analysis of six newspapers from Atlanta, Chicago and Los Angeles found important distinctions in results before and after 9/11 but little statistical significance, primarily because of low or "0" scores amongst the minority publications.Item A case study of two Cherokee newspapers and their fight against censorship.(2006-07-22T23:48:42Z) Evans, Desiree Y.; Stone, Sara J.; Journalism.; Baylor University. Dept. of Journalism.This study attempts to illuminate an injustice to the Cherokee Nation through denial of First Amendment rights in newspapers and communities. Through case studies and in-depth interviews it examines the avenues by which other Native American newspapers can gain independence and publish free from censorship. The study focuses on The Cherokee Phoenix and Indian Advocate and The Cherokee Observer. Studying The Cherokee Phoenix and Indian Advocate allowed for the examination of the Cherokee tribe’s official newspaper before and after the Independent Press Act of 2000, and how the landmark legislation has changed the newspaper and its relationship to the tribal government. The establishment of The Cherokee Observer shows why some members of the Cherokee tribe felt that an alternative newspaper was necessary before and after the legislation was passed, and as they continue to feel the need to publish even five years after the Cherokee press was freed.Item Language direction trends in news items naming Baylor University published in the New York Times and selected Texas newspapers (1974-2005).(2006-07-31T19:10:59Z) White, Gregory Alexander.; Bishop, Mike (Michael).; Journalism.; Baylor University. Dept. of Journalism.This thesis compared language direction in 116 news items from local and distant media populations over a thirty-year period. Population members included the Dallas Morning News, Houston Post, and Houston Chronicle, as well as the New York Times. Its purpose was to find if trends showed distant media such as the Times portrayed Baylor University differently than local media. Findings from news item paragraphs in controversial and non-controversial story groups revealed distant and local media used mainly neutral language. Compared against local media samples, the distant population did not portray Baylor differently in a significant way, according to statistical applications. Analysis also disclosed the New York Times published stories for a national audience, while selected Texas newspapers wrote for local readers.Item Employment success of university journalism graduates: a survey comparing classroom practices and departmental requirements with graduates' job placement and salary rates.(2007-02-07T19:01:56Z) Zastoupil, Kristin L.; Stone, Sara J.; Bishop, Mike (Michael).; Vitanza, Dianna M.; Sturgill, Amanda Colson, 1968-; Journalism.; Baylor University. Dept. of Journalism.This study focuses on what current journalism programs are requiring from their undergraduate students before graduation. The researcher used both qualitative and quantitative research by collecting data through an online survey of journalism faculty at four-year universities offering a degree in journalism and individual interviews of journalism researchers and faculty. The aim was to use educational philosophies and teaching methodologies to classify current programs as traditional, contemporary, or a combination of the two and to determine if one type of program has a greater impact on its graduates' success. While overall findings indicate professors and institutions tend to be contemporary, qualitative research indicates that programs tend to be more mixed and include a hybrid of contemporary and traditional classes.Item A quantitative analysis of theater criticism in four American newspapers.(2008-06-09T17:50:06Z) Orand, Amber Werley.; Darden, Bob, 1954-; Journalism.; Baylor University. Dept. of Journalism.The researcher systematically sampled 144 issues of four major American newspapers from reference points over the last three decades and conducted a quantitative analysis of theater reviews to determine whether the amount of theater criticism has changed as the newspaper industry has declined. Instead of an across-the-board change over time, however, the trends were observed to vary by newspaper, while the overall quantity of theater criticism in the observed newspapers has actually increased. Yet, other aspects of the results, such as a decline in staff critics and an increase in reliance upon freelancers, indicate that theater criticism is becoming less valued in American newspaper journalism. More research is needed to suss out further quantitative and qualitative trends in journalistic theater criticism. Meanwhile, the Internet and Web logs offer viable avenues for theater criticism if it loses ground in journalism.Item Social networking sites and intent to vote in the 2008 presidential election.(2009-04-01T17:07:42Z) Toller, Amanda C.; Moody-Ramirez, Mia.; Journalism.; Baylor University. Dept. of Journalism.This study examines the potential link between communication on social networking sites and the users’ intent to vote in the 2008 presidential election. By surveying a group of undergraduate students, most of whom are users, if not frequent users of social networking sites, the study attempts to find out what students feel is influencing whether or not they vote in this year’s presidential election.Item Informative humor : The Daily Show's emergence as a credible news source.(2010-06-23T12:25:02Z) Shanks, Chad.; Sturgill, Amanda Colson, 1968-; Journalism.; Baylor University. Dept. of Journalism.By all accounts, America's dependence on traditional news media as a vital part of the democratic process is waning. With new media and outlets fighting for audiences, traditional broadcast and print media are suffering an existential crisis, forced to adapt or become obsolete. In addition, the public's trust in the media is plummeting. However, in this unsteady environment, unexpected forms of traditional media are emerging as credible sources, such as The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. When compared with other news media transcripts, The Daily Show was rated as equally credible to other broadcast news outlets when participants did not know the sources. When sources were known, The Daily Show was not rated as less credible, inferring that no preconceived bias against the show's credibility exists. In addition, political affiliation, age and gender were not significant in determining a person's perceived credibility of the satirical news leader.Item The influence of media use on religious individuals' attitude toward and knowledge of science.(2011-05-12T15:23:24Z) Collins, Billy W.; Owens, Bradley E.; Journalism.; Baylor University. Dept. of Journalism.Research indicates that mass media depictions of morally controversial scientific applications and new technologies have increased in frequency during the past decades. Therefore, researchers have become increasingly interested in how science is both viewed and understood by the public. One of the publics of primary interest to researchers is the highly religious, who may approach science and its applications via a unique perceptual filter determined by their religious commitment. Additionally, the mass media have been shown to moderate opinions about science. The present study makes use of nationally representative survey data to discuss the relationship that exists among media use, religiosity, and attitudes toward and knowledge of science variables. Data collected from two independent samples will also help pave the way for future trend studies of this phenomenon.Item No women in the press box : a case study to compare the experience of women in print sports journalism from the 1980s and 2000s.(2011-05-12T15:46:37Z) Quackenbush, Chelsea Erin.; Ferdon, Douglas Robert, 1945-; Journalism.; Baylor University. Dept. of Journalism.This case study examines women sports writers in the 1980s and 2000s. The purpose of the study was to describe the perceptions of women sports writers’ in relationship to their professional and personal experiences in sports journalism, and how the field has changed in terms of gender relations, sexual harassment, and gender discrimination. Participants agreed that men and women are equal in terms of job duties, and they do not experience discrimination and harassment in the field. There is still progress to be made in terms of the number of women in sports journalism.Item Get rich or die tryin’ : a semiotic approach to the construct of wealth in rap music.(2011-09-14) Davis, Kristine Ann.; Stone, Sara J.; Journalism.; Baylor University. Dept. of Journalism.For the past 30 years, rap music has made its way into the mainstream of America, taking an increasingly prominent place in popular culture, particularly for youth, its main consumers. This thesis looks at wealth through the lens of semiotics, an important component of critical/cultural theory, using a hermeneutical analysis of 11 rap songs, spanning the last decade of rap music to find signification and representation of wealth in the rap song lyrics. The research finds three important themes of wealth - relationship between wealth and the opposite sex, wealth that garners respect from other people, and wealth as a signifier for "living the good life" - and five signifiers of wealth – money, cars, attire, liquor, and bling.Item Creating a foundation for media literacy education : a content analysis of higher education syllabi.(2012-08-08) Earp, Amanda G.; Moody-Ramirez, Mia.; Journalism.; Baylor University. Dept. of Journalism.Using a Constructivist theoretical learning approach, this study examines syllabi from higher education media-related departments to develop a uniform foundation for media literacy courses by finding common objectives and creating an ideal syllabus. Findings indicate that although most objectives in the syllabi appeared throughout the literature, future courses should place more emphasis on objectives such as “effects” and “economics.” The results also show a variation between the types of objectives included in the sample syllabi, most notably in the “other” theme. Finally, the study indicates that a total of 16 objectives should be included in media literacy courses.Item The use of new media in professional sport image repair theory : a case study of Michael Vick, Brett Favre, and Reggie Bush.(2012-08-08) Mason, Hannah Noelle.; Moody-Ramirez, Mia.; Journalism.; Baylor University. Dept. of Journalism.Broadening the application of Benoit’s image repair theory, this case study compares and contrasts crisis management strategies of three NFL athletes, Michael Vick, Brett Favre, and Reggie Bush, to determine which methods were used and who employed them better. After cross-comparing those results and evaluating them against a purposive sampling of Sports Illustrated and People Magazine articles for transference of themes and usage, the researcher concluded that the application of a unified image repair strategy plan across all of the new media outlets used by each professional athlete is the best way for future athletes to utilize image repair strategies when a crisis occurs. Findings indicate social media allow athletes to publish information quickly and efficiently without a gatekeeper; however, they must still follow traditional image repair strategies to succeed. Exploring the newest communication medium, social media, added a fresh dimension to previous image repair study findings.Item Traditional and interactive documentaries : an exploration of audience response to September 11 documentaries in different formats.(2013-09-24) Brown, Danielle K., 1987-; Moody-Ramirez, Mia.; Journalism, Public Relations and New Media.; Baylor University. Dept. of Journalism, Public Relations and New Media.On September 11, 2001, two planes crashed into the two tallest buildings in the New York City skyline, the most horrific act of terrorism on U.S. soil to date. A country devastated, the United States began the long road to recovery, prevention and retaliation. In response, screenwriters have produced several documentaries on the tragedy. Likewise, scholars have studied extensively the content of documentaries focusing on 9/11. Literature lacks articles that analyze audience response to interactive documentaries. This study seeks to add to the literature on this topic by comparing and contrasting focus group responses to two documentaries that utilize different formats. September 11 and the resulting number of documentaries on the topic provided the ideal topic and content for such a study.Item A polysemic exploration of stereotypes and racial humor in Tosh.0.(2015-07-22) Murray, Benjamin K., 1992-; Moody-Ramirez, Mia.This case study uses content and rhetorical analyses to address the neutralizing effects of performance strategies used in the racially charged humor of “Tosh.0.” Selected clips were analyzed and discussed through the lens of Ambivalence Theory, which supports the idea that multiple meanings are possible and probable in comedic content due to the incongruous nature of humorous discourses. The researcher viewed multiple clips of the show and coded them based on stereotype, humor theory and performance strategy. Findings indicate that Tosh.0 employs racial stereotypes unequally throughout the show with the greatest amount of negative stereotypes aimed at Blacks. Daniel Tosh also utilized Superiority Theory most frequently with his jokes and depended heavily on “Distance and Disclaimer” methods to avoid accusations of racism. A content analysis of specific clips highlights the polysemic nature of the humor in Tosh.0, meaning that interpretations differ based on the inherent views of the person watching.Item What does it all meme? : a look into gender stereotypes and traits in the 2016 presidential primary campaign.(2017-03-16) Spencer, Elizabeth Ann, 1993-; Moody-Ramirez, Mia.This content analysis examines how social media memes portrayed presidential primary candidates during the 2016 United States presidential election. In the wake of Internet and social media evolutions in communications, memes of candidates have been added to the new paradigm of American political news consumption. Along with framing theory, the researcher used feminist communications and media theories to analyze the 2016 presidential election and Democratic primary candidates, Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton, as well Republican primary candidates, Carly Fiorina and Ted Cruz. This thesis seeks to find how political memes used common gender biases and stereotypes to frame the politicians. The researcher gained results from N = 550 memes collected from Google and Facebook groups.Item An analysis of cultural appropriation in fashion and popular media.(2018-04-25) Monroy, Mayra, 1994-; Moody-Ramirez, Mia.Fashion is an outlet for creative expression and a reflection of personal and cultural identity. Fashion designers increasingly use cultural artifacts as inspiration for clothing. Previous media studies looked at cultural appropriation and found its place in fashion through traditional media outlets such as television and magazines. This study used a two-pronged analysis of tweets and newspaper articles. Findings indicate overall that the tone of tweets emphasizing cultural appropriation was negative, with many highlighting celebrities, fashion and commentary on the concept. Newspaper articles on the topic were generally negative, emphasizing fashion designers and culture. A spike in news coverage occurred in 2015 and surged through 2017, possibly due to the coverage the topic received on social media.Item Intimacy issues : a content analysis of intimacy levels and engagement rates between celebrities and influencers.(2018-04-30) Thornton, Carlye Elizabeth, 1993-; Moody-Ramirez, Mia.The development of social media marketing has amplified the value of peer recommendations, leading brands to utilize the inclusive nature of Instagram to employ celebrity endorsement and/or influencer techniques. Though the two strategies are different, individuals outside the industry often confuse them, resulting in lower engagement rates and credibility. The purpose of this research is to establish the type of relationships celebrities and influencers have with their followers and to recognize their differences. By using Consumer-Brand Relationship Theory, Social Influence Theory and Para-Social Interaction Theory, the researcher identified key components of online intimacy and analyzed Instagram content from three celebrities (Kendall Jenner, Ariana Grande and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson) and three influencers (Miranda Sings, Lilly Singh and Tyler Oakley). The researcher examined N=320 Instagram posts to determine the presence of intimacy and calculate engagement rates.Item Selling a university : a content analysis of NCAA Division I colleges’ featured YouTube videos using the Spirituality in Advertising Framework.(2018-11-13) George, Amber R., 1980-; Neill, Marlene S.American universities are using social media outlets to reach audiences; moreover, the collegiate YouTube channels included in this study had more than 1.5 million subscribers as of August 31, 2018. Past studies have identified spiritual elements within commercial advertising (Marmor-Lavie & Stout, 2016). Explicitly identifying aspects of spirituality using the Spirituality in Advertising Framework (SAF), this study analyzes NCAA Division I videos (n=115) featured on the institutions’ official YouTube channels. A key finding was the presence of spiritual ideas in each NCAA conference, in public and private colleges, in Carnegie R1, R2 and R3 research institutions and Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs). The SAF core idea most frequently identified in the study's video was the “integration with others” (n=51) or to join with others and be a part of something (Marmor-Lavie, Stout, & Lee, 2009, p.9). Nevertheless, represented at varying frequencies were all 16 SAF core ideas.Item Creating vocal advocates on Twitter : examining the importance of purpose in social media communication.(2018-11-13) Gonzalez, Alyssa B., 1995-; Neill, Marlene S.Social media is a powerful tool for organizations to build relationships, promote services and encourage community activism. Through content analysis, this study investigates which types of messaging on Twitter are effective in turning members of the public into vocal advocates for education-based nonprofits. The study identifies current Twitter practices among the organizations and describes how they can influence social change. The situational theory of publics is used to analyze online engagement. This study also examines the importance of organization-public relationships and their utilization on social media platforms to promote advocacy. Findings revealed that informational posts are the most frequently used form of messaging by education-based nonprofits on Twitter and are the most successful in garnering engagement. Education-based nonprofits prefer to have a majority of their tweets originate from their organization. Furthermore, they are utilizing Twitter’s other media related tools by including links in 65 percent of their posts.Item Framing Flint : comparing mainstream and black newspaper coverage in the wake of environmental racism.(2018-11-28) Rieper, Kaitlyn B., 1994-; Moody-Ramirez, Mia.Flint, Michigan, has been in a water crisis for four years now after the predominately black community was lead-poisoned following the decisions of government officials they should have been able to trust. The city’s insistence on using polluted river water along with a history of environmental injustices quickly drew criticism as an issue of environmental racism. Fighting environmental racism often originates from grassroots efforts and depends on voices from minority communities. By drawing on critical race and framing theories, this study considers how local black newspapers, the Chicago Defender and the Michigan Chronicle, have framed the Flint water crisis in comparison to mainstream newspapers, the Chicago Tribune, and the Detroit Free Press. The analysis found key differences in the way that the newspapers framed race, especially in the context of poverty. However, the top themes were the same across all four newspapers.