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Poster image for the film "Breaking the News"
Film (Documentary)

Breaking the News

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A new voice in journalism emerges

Breaking the News immerses its audience in the lives and steadfast pursuits of the members of The 19th — women and LGBTQ+ journalists — as they struggle to launch the agency and work to gain traction for their newsroom amidst shuttered news outlets and an upended America. With spirited storytelling, the directorial trio of Heather Courtney, Princess A. Hairston, and Chelsea Hernandez provide an inquisitive and dynamic view into the inner workings of this news agency as its journalists disrupt entrenched biases and push for accountability.

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Breaking the News serves as a critical lens into the evolving landscape of journalism, shedding light on the challenges faced by women and LGBTQ+ journalists. This documentary not only chronicles the determination of its protagonists but also amplifies a pivotal conversation about representation in media.

The film reveals that approximately 68% of journalism degrees are earned by women, yet only 41.7% of newsroom employees are women, highlighting a significant disparity that persists in the industry. Furthermore, the harsh digital landscape presents a daunting reality where one-third of LGBTQ+ individuals experience online homophobia, underscoring the urgent need for inclusive reporting.

Through its spirited storytelling, Breaking the News advocates for a newsroom that mirrors the diversity of the communities it serves. With a staggering 50 newsrooms closing in the UK alone in 2020, the film emphasizes the pressing crisis within the journalism sector, pushing for accountability and change. By fostering an inquisitive and dynamic view into the inner workings of this news agency, the documentary not only disrupts entrenched biases but inspires a new generation of journalists to challenge the status quo. Its impact extends beyond storytelling; it is a rallying cry for equitable representation in the media landscape.

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