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University of Southern California

The IJPC Journal, Volume 6 - Fall 2015

"His Women Problem": An Analysis of Gender on "The Newsroom"

Chad Painter, Patrick Ferrucci

Abstract


This textual analysis focuses on the portrayal of female journalists on Aaron Sorkin’s "The Newsroom," which premiered on HBO in 2012. The researchers argue that the four main female journalists are depicted as being unprofessional in the workplace, being inadequate at their jobs, and being motherly and weak. While these female journalists have impeccable credentials, stellar resumes, and a genuine interest in disseminating the best possible news, Sorkin and his fellow writers consistently depict these powerful women as inferior to the male characters. The researchers conclude that Sorkin and his creative team failed in their ethical obligation to the audience and society because the portrayals could negatively impact the perceptions of real female journalists.

Full Text: Painter-Ferrucci Copyright Notice Privacy Policy University of Southern California USC Annenberg Center