The Medias Gender Problem

The Womens Media Center (WMC) recently conducted a new study concerning the percent of male versus female contributors across all different types of news outlets. Researchers examined 27,000 pieces and found that 63 percent of them were from males and a low 36 percent were from female contributors. Researchers also found that the media platform was irrelevant to the gender gap. Eight newspapers, four newscasts, and four websites were studied and all found to have a percentage of between 60-65 male contributions. These statistics are disturbing in that the ratio for male to female contributors is almost at 2:1. Women being represented in the media at such low percentages seems to dim the dreams of young women across the country who want to become journalists. However not just any journalist but one who reports the breaking news of the day, the high profile political scandals, and international affairs rather than the mundane lifestyle and health articles women seem to be disproportionately confined to.

References Mirkinson, J. (2014, April 4). The Media's Enormous Gender Problem, In One Chart. Retrieved April 4, 2014, from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/03/media-gendergap-chart_n_5080897.html?utm_hp_ref=media

Sun-Times Subscribers Can Pay With Bitcoin

The Chicago Sun-Times has now started allowing users to purchase yearlong subscription with bitcoins, which are a form of digital currency. In trying to understand digital currency think of the popular Google Wallet, which allows the user to purchase items with a simple click of a button. Bitcoins work in the same way however they differ because the coins can be purchased for fractions of a penny. This is a huge development in the way we receive our news and also for the economy as a whole. The installation of the use of bitcoins will allow newspapers and other companies to accept payments without having to pay processing fees to a bank for accepting credit card payments. This development also raises hopes for the popularity of micropayments. Micropayments are simply

very small payments made each time a user accesses a particular website or service. In essence users will be able to make a micropayment to access only one article or video online, so you pay only for the content you wish to see. As great as this may sound it comes with a lot of security risks and precautions are needed to be taken anytime using a digital wallet or online payment processing system.

References Kirkland, S. (2014, April 3). Poynter. Retrieved April 4, 2014, from http://www.poynter.org/latest-news/mediawire/246158/sun-times-subscribers-can-paywith-bitcoin/

Winston Salem State Student Targeted by Anti-Gay Tweets by local Dj

On March 28 and 29, local DJ Brian B-Daht McLaughlin released a series of tweets targeted at Aaron McCorkle, a junior at the university who was a candidate for the schools Mister Winston Salem State University. The tweets stated B-Dahts opposition to Aaron being the winner of the contest. If yall let a drag Queen be Mr #WSSU, I quit. Straight up, read one of the series of tweets. As well as As I stated, I will relieve myself of my PA duties if a drag queen is appointed the position of Mr #WSSU. I wont be affiliated. No way, read another. The schools paper the Campus Pride as well as campus officials have all reached out to Aaron expressing their support of him. This is particularly disturbing to have come from another minority who is misrepresented in the media and also unrepresented at one point in the history of the USA. It was ethically wrong for B-Daht to use his platform to slander another minority set in this country. Campus Pride (2014, April 2). Winston-Salem State student targeted by anti-gay tweets by local DJ Brian B-Daht McLaughlin. Retrieved April 4, 2014, from http://www.campuspride.org/winston-salem-statestudent-targeted-by-anti-gay-tweets-by-local-dj-brian-b-daht-mclaughlin/