Transforming Narratives
This book interrogates the process of court reporting on rape and other sexual crime cases involving Australian footballers. Waterhouse-Watson's work maps structural factors within newsrooms, and the complex relationship between the judiciary and media, that affect the practice of court reporting.
Exploring the intersection of gender norms and sports culture, the book examines how media representations of footballers are influenced by societal views on masculinity and femininity. It highlights the portrayal of bodies, team dynamics, and issues surrounding women, sex, and alcohol. Waterhouse-Watson analyzes the narratives and discourses that perpetuate rape myths while also addressing efforts to challenge these narratives. By revealing the complexities of sports reporting and its implications for victims, the author critiques journalistic practices and the language used in these contexts.