PERFORMING THE NEWS | A Busboys and Poets Books Presentation

Many journalists from historically marginalized groups speak with a flat, “neutral” accent, modify their delivery to hide distinctive vocal attributes, dress conventionally to appeal to the “average” viewer, and maintain a consistent appearance to avoid unwanted attention. Their aim is what author Elia Powers refers to as performance neutrality—presentation that is deemed unobjectionable, reveals little about journalists’ social identity, and supposedly does not detract from their message. Increasingly, journalists are challenging restrictive, purportedly neutral forms of self-presentation. This book argues that performance neutrality is a myth that reinforces the status quo, limits on-air diversity, and hinders efforts to make newsrooms more inclusive. Through in-depth interviews with journalists in broadcasting and podcasting, and those who shape their performance, the author suggests ways to make journalism more inclusive and representative of diverse audiences.

Elia Powers is joining us on the Busboys stage alongside an on-air host at WYPR, Marquis Lupton, to share more about their experiences as journalists and discuss “one of the thorniest topics in professional communication: How we judge others, and, in turn, how we judge ourselves” (John Hendrickson, author of Life on Delay). Copies of the book will be available for purchase during and after the event, and Powers will be signing following the program.

This event is free and open to all. Our program begins at 5:00 pm, and will be followed by an audience Q&A. Copies of PERFORMING THE NEWS will be available for purchase before and after the event. Please note that this event is in person and will not be livestreamed. 

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Dr. Elia Powers is the author of Performing the News: Identity, Authority, and the Myth of Neutrality (Rutgers University Press). He is an associate professor in the Department of Mass Communication at Towson University; a sports, features, and podcast editor at the Baltimore Watchdog; and an independent podcast reporter, producer, and host. Powers received a Ph.D. in journalism studies from University of Maryland’s Philip Merrill College of Journalism, a master’s degree in American Culture Studies from Washington University in St. Louis, and a bachelor of science in journalism from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. A proud Seattle native, Powers lives in Washington D.C. with his wife and two sons.

Marquis Lupton is an on-air host at WYPR. A graduate of Shippensburg University (undergrad) and Morgan State University (graduate), Lupton is happy to bring his unique delivery and background back to Maryland! Previously, Lupton worked as a board operator and Club DJ for FM97 WLAN, and later decided to switch gears to pursue television. Switching from radio, Lupton got his start in television working for CNN as a control board operator for the Situation Room and later as an assistant field producer for CNN’s Pentagon Unit. Post-CNN, Lupton decided to get in front of the camera, and became a reporter/anchor making stops at CBS 21, WMDT ABC 47, and NBC 40 in Atlantic City. With a journalism career spanning over a decade, Lupton has had the opportunity to interview people like Sen. Corey Booker, former Gov. Chris Christie, Shaq, Oprah Winfrey, and a lengthy list of senators, city council members, and state representatives. Lupton also ran a digital media company for 5 years, called TCP Media Group, which aimed to give marginalized groups in Pennsylvania a voice. Now back to his first love (radio), Lupton is excited to reconnect and be back where his career started! 

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