Seen and Heard: The Women of Television News

(Paperback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

As a messenger of television news, an anchorperson must hook the audience and make them pay attention. In America, there has been a strong tradition of male news anchors_Edward R. Murrow, Walter Cronkite, Dan Rather, Peter Jennings. These men, perched at their 'electronic hearths', recounted the details of America's most significant history to its citizens. Today, women are visible in every area of television news, even in the hallowed anchor chair, but their presence has been hard-fought and continues to present unique challenges. When Oprah Winfrey edorsed the presidential candidacy of Barack Obama, it reinforced the tremendous power a broadcaster can wield. Seen and Heard examines the lives, careers, and communication styles of twelve of the most compelling and recognizable women of television news, including Christiane Amanpour, Elizabeth Vargas, Diane Sawyer, Paula Zahn, Judy Woodruff, and Candy Crowley. From Barbara Walters's vast career that spans more than half a century to Katie Couric's historic appointment as the sole anchor of the CBS Evening News, this book explores the obstacles and opportunities for women in broadcasting.

Reviews

Gutgolds careful selection, comprehensive research, and thoughtful analysis of individual professional style gives Seen and Heard a broad appeal. It belongs on the shelf with the best of the broadcast history books. -- Donna Acerra, associate professor of communication, Northampton Community College
This book is written in an engaging and conversational style. It is thoroughly researched and will appeal to academic audiences, but is still quite accessible to the intelligent lay audience. . . . The book seamlessly integrates into each chapter both academic theory and 'popular' thinking regarding the world of braodcast news and the ever evolving roles of the women in that world. * Women & Language *
Finally a book has been written that gives women in television broadcasting their proper due. In a world of preference for men with 'gravitas,' this rhetorical analysis shows why there is an elite cadre of highly intelligent and tough womenfrom Barbara Walters to Christiane Amanpourwho can hold their own and surpass many men to gain ratings and communicate the messages audiences want to hear. Gutgold has done an excellent job taking the reader beyond biographical detail to illuminate the skill and power of women in television news. -- Elizabeth J. Natalle, associate professor of communication, University of North Carolina-Greensboro
Gutgold has written a book that will be useful as both a resource in media studies courses and in the study of women's public speaking. * Women's Studies In Communication *

Author Bio

Nichola D. Gutgold is associate professor of communication arts and sciences at Pennsylvania State University at Lehigh Valley.