Holiday Reading Blog Post 2 - Real bodies to reap rewards

By Michelle Griffin. Published on the Sydney Morning Herald website (Diet & Fitness). On September 9^th, 2011.

http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/diet-and-fitness/real-bodies-to-reap-rewards-20110908-1jzx6.html

This article is extremely simple yet includes topical, human interest and current news values.  The story is straightforward and easy to read, the author includes only hard facts and minimal quotes.  The story concerns the Federal Government’s decision to allow companies which use images heavily such as magazines, websites and advertising campaigns to compete for the Positive Image Awards.  Helen McCabe the editor of the Australian Woman’s Weekly magazine is quoted in support of the Awards.  The story links in relevant information regarding past attempts to promote more realistic image of women in media images.   The issue regarding the truthful representation of women within the media is further conveyed in the article through linking with other overseas magazines also encouraging curvier women to be pictured. This highlights the timeliness of the issue.  A quote by award panel member Karen Webster is used; however the author has not indicated her credentials to specify why she is entitled to be a part of the panel. 

I believe the article could have been improved by the inclusion of expert opinion such as a psychologist, media images expert, women’s health professional and/or opinion of a plus sized female or generally a female of the public.  This would have added more scope and depth to the story.  Furthermore, the author could have chosen to write the article from a different angle.  For example Griffin could have addressed the topic by looking at the political and governmental interests of the new-found Awards.  Also, an angle relating to the coined term “Real Women” could have been explored.  For example it could be argued that by using the word “real” is harmful to women’s body image and that perhaps the word “natural” should be used instead?  I believe that by framing the story in a more creative way would have brought the content of the article to life and made it more relevant to readers, making it a more interesting and appealing read.

Holiday Reading Blog Post - Booze and babies

Author unknown from AAP. Published on the Sydney Morning Herald website.  (Life & Style). On September 9^th, 2011.

http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/life/booze-and-babies-20110909-1k0so.html

This is a very well written and easy to read article.  The issue is current and worthy of investigation, and appropriately includes the opinions of an expectant mother.  The article begins with a colour introduction, explaining one lady’s (Ruth Cosgrove) experience of dealing with conflicting alcohol consumption advice for pregnant woman.   This is cleverly done so that instead of the article focusing only on facts and research, a human interest touch is added making it easier for audiences (especially in particularly demographics; mothers, family members, scientists) to relate to the content and easier for the author to further convey the information.   The story delves into Ruth Cosgrove’s beliefs about drinking whilst pregnant, which includes quotes and nicely ties in with current research and studies to show both sides of the argument. 

The article highlights the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute in Melbourne which is launching a major study regarding what levels of safe / unsafe alcohol can be consumed by pregnant women.  This shows the authors intention of including ‘timely’ news value to her story.  The article includes quotes from the lead research professor Jane Halliday who addresses the issue of conflicting evidence from differing schools of thought on the topic.  The article appropriately follows on with information from the latest study from the University of Newcastle, to show the reality of the issue which indicates a very high percentage of women drink during pregnancy (80%).  This is a very well chosen statistic as it backs up the opinion of Ruth Cosgrove, which shows a real life example of the evidence.   The article is nicely and cleanly summed up with a quote from Jane Halliday stating the need for more research and that her project is underway to provide it.  The photo included at the top of the article is of pregnant Ruth Cosgrove holding a glass of red wine.  I believe this is a very effective graphic as it is quite confronting, and interests the reader to find out if she supports or opposes drinking whilst pregnant.