Journalists' role conceptions in covering sexual violence post-Weinstein

Since the publication of The New York Times article on Harvey Weinstein, journalists across the United States have had to adapt to a new reporting climate as it has evolved under the influence of the #MeToo movement. This thesis explores the reporting, editing, and decision-making processes used by journalists when discussing incidents of sexual violence. The purpose of this study is to understand how journalists chose to discuss individuals issuing accusations, perpetrators, and misconduct and investigations and whether the unique conditions of the #MeToo movement and post-Weinstein period affected this thought and decision-making process. Twelve journalists took part in in-depth interviews discussing their experiences reporting on sexual violence. Based on their answers, journalistic roles were conceived and discussed specific to the coverage of this traumatic event.