Representation of women journalists in the media: The case of the series "Kuş Uçuşu"

Gender roles shape individuals' positions in society, and the media plays a significant role in producing and reinforcing these roles. Representations of women are often presented through stereotypical and patriarchal lenses. This situation transfers societal inequalities into fictional content. The media functions not only as a reflection of society but also as an ideological tool that shapes perceptions of gender. This thesis aims to examine the media representations of female journalists in the series Kuş Uçuşu (As the Crow Flies), broadcast on a digital platform, within the context of gender norms. Female journalist characters are analyzed using a descriptive analysis method and categorized into four original groups based on themes of professional ethics and career motivation. "Lions" represent ethical, leading journalists; "Birds" are ambitious, young journalists aiming to rise; "Lions Who Could Not Become Kings" depict those who try to maintain their power through unethical means; and "Admirers" symbolize characters observing journalism from the outside with unclear motivations. This classification allows for an analysis of female journalists' professional identities within the context of ethics and power relations. Findings reveal that representations of ethically grounded female journalists emphasize professional responsibility and ideal journalism, whereas characters exhibiting unethical behavior blur the line between reality and perception through their susceptibility to media manipulation. Thus, the importance of responsibility and ethical understanding in terms of news accuracy and impartiality becomes evident, while the consequences of crossing this line are also made visible. In summary, this study offers a multilayered analysis that questions how popular culture transforms the identity of female journalists. Keywords: Gender, Women Journalists, Representation, Kus Ucusu TV Series