While the conventional course of media framing research is to focus on political communication, this essay explores the boundaries of framing and its promise for studying the alternative domain of music journalism. We examine characteristics of music journalism and of framing within it, establishing the reason and potential in connecting the two concepts. We also review research about music journalism, show how framing research has been applied outside of political topics, and reflect on some of music journalism’s core customs. The article concludes that music journalism should be a priority site to learn about critical issues (e.g., race, gender, sexuality, celebrity) woven into the popular culture content of such media coverage.
About the presentersJordan M. McClain
Jordan McClain, PhD, has enjoyed serving MAPACA since 2011 in various roles: President, Board member, founding VP of Communications, founder and chair of the Journalism and News Media area, co-chair of the Music area, co-founder and co-chair of the Professional Development area, peer reviewer for the journal Response, peer reviewer for the journal Mid-Atlantic Almanack, and founder of the Popular Culture Crash Course.
Myles Ethan Lascity
Myles Ethan Lascity is an assistant professor of journalism at Southern Methodist University. He holds a doctorate in Communication, Culture and Media from Drexel University and a a master’s in Visual Culture/Costume Studies from New York University. His research interests include fashion branding and media consumption.