Analyzing the Tulsa World Reporting on Native Americans in the Heart of Indian Country

Tulsa, Oklahoma A city in the puddles of the Trail of Tears, Tulsa is home to nearly 15,000 Native Americans, and is one of the largest centers of Urban Indians in the country. A city in the puddles of the Trail of Tears, Tulsa is home to nearly 15,000 Native Americans, and is one of the largest centers of Urban Indians in the country. Native Americans make up 4% of Tulsa’s total population Native Americans make up 4% of Tulsa’s total population

The Tulsa World Founded in 1905 Founded in ,000 to 220,000 daily subscriptions 160,000 to 220,000 daily subscriptions Adequate quality writing for a 21st century newspaper Adequate quality writing for a 21st century newspaper Regular coverage of a wide range of Native American issues Regular coverage of a wide range of Native American issues

The Research A critical look at 35 articles that ran in the Tulsa World, the earliest dated 8/26/2006, the latest 12/18/06. The majority ran in the news section, with four making the front page.

19 stories quoted non-Native sources

And the verdict…

SAN FRANCISCO- A team of SFSU media research students found the reporting of the Tulsa World on issues concerning Native Americans to be of good quality, balanced with a clear and accurate knowledge of the Native population of Tulsa city and county. Although there are some issues of concern, the team found that overall coverage of Native Americans reflected professional reporting techniques and an educated editorial staff. THE WORLD IS FAIR!

Coverage Reflective of the Population Wide range of topics, from history to urban issues to education Wide range of topics, from history to urban issues to education Of the few datelines, most were marked Tahlequah, the seat of power for the Cherokee Nation Of the few datelines, most were marked Tahlequah, the seat of power for the Cherokee Nation Daily press, in print and online, reflect the range of reporting on the numerous issues facing Native Americans, tribal and urban Daily press, in print and online, reflect the range of reporting on the numerous issues facing Native Americans, tribal and urban

The Cherokee Nation The second largest tribe in America The second largest tribe in America Federally recognized, the Cherokee Nation governs its own lands and people. Federally recognized, the Cherokee Nation governs its own lands and people. The Cherokee Phoenix The Cherokee Phoenix

Fair and balanced Most articles relied on at least one Native source Most articles relied on at least one Native source Majority of articles were over 500 words, 3 over 1000 Majority of articles were over 500 words, 3 over 1000 Mostly neutral or positive tone, with no stereotypical language Mostly neutral or positive tone, with no stereotypical language

Image and information credits

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