Presenter: Karly DeWees
Faculty Mentor: Kim Sheehan, Dan Morrison
Presentation Type: Oral
Primary Research Area: Social Science
Major: Journalism: Advertising
If the powers who control media access to combat zones believe that a photographer’s gender affects how conflict is framed within the media, then that will affect the decision of who gains access to combat zones. And if that is the case, then gender plays a significant role in how combat is covered, how it is reported, how it is consumed by the public, and ultimately the public’s perception of whether that particular conflict or war is justified. This study will examine if gender plays a role in combat coverage and if, in fact, gender affects the outcome of the story. In pursuing this research, I will use the theoretical frameworks of framing theory, orientation theory, and differences in gender risk assessment. While utilizing those frameworks I will attempt to determine if gender plays a role in combat coverage. My research will aim to answer the question of whether or not gender affects how conflict is framed. If the Department of Defense (DoD) and the powers within the media believe that women photographers create images differently than men it is reasonable to assume that belief will affect their decisions regarding to whom they will issue media credentials during combat operations.