Catfishing, Clickbait & Single Mothers: Representation of Women Journalists in Peacock SeriesThe Paper
Catfishing, Clickbait & Single Mothers: Representation of Women Journalists in Peacock SeriesThe Paper
Roberta Fiorito (Ph.D. student), “Catfishing, Clickbait & Single Mothers: Representation of Women Journalists in Peacock SeriesThe Paper,” accepted for presentation to Pop Culture Association (PCA) conference in April 8, 2026, Atlanta. Abstract: This study analyzes the representation of female journalists in NBC Peacock’s new workplace comedy The Paper (2025). The analysis argues that the series exemplifies a “double entanglement” of Angela McRobbie's work on post-feminism, i.e. acknowledging feminist gains while simultaneously reinstating traditional stereotypes through tropes like unlikeable female bosses and trivialized "soft news" roles. Ultimately, the study demonstrates how these portrayals naturalize narratives that undermine women’s professional authority during a critical moment for both press freedom and women’s rights.
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