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Join us to explore how journalists from historically marginalized groups have long felt pressure to conform when performing for audiences

Many journalists from historically marginalized groups 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.

Elia Powers is joining us on the Busboys stage alongside an on-air host at WYPR, Marquis Lupton, to share more about their experiences as journalists and discuss “one of the thorniest topics in professional communication: How we judge others, and, in turn, how we judge ourselves” (John Hendrickson, author of Life on Delay). Copies of the book will be available for purchase during and after the event, and Powers will be signing following the program.

This event is free and open to all. Our program begins at 5:00 pm, and will be followed by an audience Q&A. Copies of PERFORMING THE NEWS will be available for purchase before and after the event. Please note that this event is in person and will not be livestreamed.

We ask that guests RSVP in order to receive direct updates about the event from Busboys and Poets Books

For more information: https://www.busboysandpoets.com/events/th-evt-42949322/#

The ASA is gathering in Chicago, IL from December 12 – 14, 2024.


Rutgers University Press author Casey Golomski will be speaking during the panel "Author Meets Critic: God's Waiting Room: Reconciliation and Remembering Apartheid at Life's End" featuring his brand new book, which will be releasing the day after the discussion.