Panelists are sought for a proposed paper session for the National Communication Association Annual Convention in Philadelphia on November 10-13, 2016.
Popular television plays a key role in shaping social norms and interpreting movements for political change. Traditionally, depictions of gender and sexuality have been constrained by network conventions and advertiser interests. However, the recent rise in niche cable networks, online programming, and streaming services are allowing new voices and subversive visions to emerge. This panel will provide feminist and/or queer-studies perspectives on representations of gender and sexual diversity in contemporary television. Diverse methodologies and approaches are welcome. Panelists might consider the role of genres and audiences; television’s response to the legalization of same-sex marriage and reproductive-rights controversies; new network marketing models; emerging feminist and queer directors and writers; and intersections of race and class with feminist and LGBTQ depictions. One paper, on female intimacies and sexual expression in Comedy Central’s “Broad City,” is already in place.
Please contact Katherine J. Lehman at KLehman@albright.edu with interest/inquiries, and submit paper abstracts (150-200 words) and author information by March 10 for consideration.