2023 BEA On-Location

Moderator/Discussant: Jeff Wilkinson, Florida A&M University

Pregnancy and motherhood in the newsroom: From the 1950s to today; Stefanie Davis Kempton, Penn State Altoona & Ashley Walter, St. Louis University
Journalism is one of the least family-friendly careers, according to recent research reports. The challenges of work-life balance for women journalists are especially evident for mothers, many of whom feel their child-care duties negatively impact their careers. This study is interested in how treatment of mothers and expectant mothers in newsrooms has progressed (or not) over time. As such, this study uses a mixed-method approach of qualitative interviews with current women journalists and oral histories with women journalists from the 1950s to the 1980s. Preliminary findings suggest three main areas where women face significant challenges: being pregnant in the newsroom, maternity leave policies, and lactation/nursing in the newsroom.

Not So Hidden Messages in Bad Bunny’s “El Apagon” Video: A Decolonial Approach to Latinx Music; Glenys Rojo, California State University San Bernardino
The purpose of this research is to analyze the discourse centered around the themes in Bad Bunny’s music video “El Apagon,” and people's perceptions/knowledge of social issues pertaining to colonialism. I explored social media activism and advocacy through forms of digital media as a tool of resistance. Hegemonic structures are prevalent all around us and colonialism has not gone away. This research explored the issues that stem from colonialism and how music can aim to revolutionize change. Through thematic analysis of observations and semi-structured interviews, this study identifies how the underlying themes in Bad Bunny’s music video “El Apagon” are perceived, and explores how Bad Bunny uses his platform to raise awareness and inspire action regarding the current issues affecting Puerto Rico. These findings help to shine light on various societal challenges for marginalized communities, especially those in Puerto Rico.

Steve Harvey Radio Show Morning Devotional: A Case Study; David Shabazz, Kentucky State University
Black radio has evolved from the activism of the 1960s into more of an entertainment focus with comedians such as Steve Harvey, D.L. Hughley, and Rickey Smith hosting nationally syndicated radio programs. This study focuses on the Steve Harvey Morning Show which infuses religious devotionals with music and comedy skits. The research will use a qualitative case study to examine the impact devotionals have on the listening audience. Preliminary results indicate African American vernacular is prevalent and identified as effective among audiences who listen and even among younger African Americans who do not regularly listen to the show.

The access Gap at HBCUs; Pamela Peters, Western Illinois University
This is a research project that is in progress, which involves in-depth interviews with first- and second-year, first-generation college students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The study focuses on the access gap of the digital divide to determine whether students are still impacted by the access gap and what their experiences are like when they lack certain forms of technology as they go through the college entry process. The interview and analysis process involved counter-storytelling - allowing the participants to share their experiences and how those experiences impacted them. This study has found that first-generation college students are still impacted by the access gap of the digital divide as they enter college and this creates challenges in searching online spaces for information and in applying for college.