Seen and Heard: The Women of Television News (Lexington Studies in Political Communication) [Paperback]

Nichola D. Gutgold (Author), Helen Thomas (Foreword, Contributor)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 27, 2008 | Series: Lexington Studies in Political Communication

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.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Gutgold’s 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 )

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 and 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 women—from Barbara Walters to Christiane Amanpour—who 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. (Natalle, Elizabeth J. )

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 )

About the Author

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

Product Details

• Paperback: 238 pages
• Publisher: Lexington Books (March 27, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0739120182
• ISBN-13: 978-0739120187
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,388,041 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Nichola D. Gutgold is professor of communication at penn State University. She is author of Paving the Way for Madam President (2006); Seen and Heard: The Women of Television News (2008) and Almost Madam Presdient: Why Hillary Clinton 'won' in 2008 (2009).

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Overdue account of women broadcasters, August 26, 2009

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Readitandreap "Readitandreap" (Chicago) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Seen and Heard: The Women of Television News (Lexington Studies in Political Communication) (Paperback)

This is a unique contribution for its analyses of the communication style of women we see on television every day.
The book is thorough and lengthy with detailed descriptions of the womens' communciation styles and strategies. An interesting read for anyone who enjoys broadcasting, communication and women's progress in mostly male-dominated fields. I recommend it.