Framing is one of the ways in which the entertainment media and popular culture have the ability to influence the discourse about particular issues and topics. However, academically speaking, framing has been largely focused on political communication and other hard news. This roundtable seeks to begin a discussion of framing in soft news, namely in journalism associated with music, fashion and popular culture, at large. From news articles and trend reports to reviews and advice articles, the tropes and narratives devices can help us explore critical issues around such topics as race, gender, sexuality and consumption. By bringing together examples from differing domains of soft news, this roundtable hopes to foster a discussion to better inform future research, teaching and professional production.
About the presentersMyles Ethan Lascity
Myles Ethan Lascity is an assistant professor of journalism at Southern Methodist University. He holds a doctorate in Communication, Culture and Media from Drexel University and a a master’s in Visual Culture/Costume Studies from New York University. His research interests include fashion branding and media consumption.
Jordan M. McClain
Jordan McClain, PhD, has enjoyed serving MAPACA since 2011 in various roles: President, Board member, founding VP of Communications, founder and chair of the Journalism and News Media area, co-chair of the Music area, co-founder and co-chair of the Professional Development area, peer reviewer for the journal Response, peer reviewer for the journal Mid-Atlantic Almanack, and founder of the Popular Culture Crash Course.