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Presenter: Isabelle Lopes de Lima

Faculty Sponsor: Clarissa Codrington

School: Massachusetts Bay Community College

Research Area: Communication and Media Studies

Session: Poster Session 2, 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM, Auditorium, A87

ABSTRACT

High-profile criminal cases often receive extensive media coverage, and sensationalist reporting may contribute to shaping public perceptions of female victims in Brazil and abroad. This poster will examine the coverage of the 2010 Eliza Samudio case and analyze how media framing and gendered narratives influence public perceptions of the victim and perpetrator, particularly by reinforcing societal biases and traditional stereotypes about women. The study analyzes news articles, headlines, and media reports from major Brazilian and international outlets, focusing on patterns of sensationalism, narrative framing, emphasis on personal and sexual history, and omission of humanizing details. Coverage of Eliza Samudio will be compared to that of Bruno Fernandes de Souza, whose professional and social identity continues to be emphasized, despite variations across media outlets, illustrating contrasts in representation based on sex and social status. The study anticipates finding that media emphasis on Eliza’s personal life, combined with limited attention to her individuality and humanity, may reinforce biased perceptions, while Bruno’s professional identity remains prominent. By exploring these patterns, this research will reveal the ways in which misogynistic narratives and gendered stereotypes are perpetuated, stressing the necessity of responsible journalistic practices in high-profile criminal cases and contribute to broader discussions about media ethics, gender representation, and journalistic responsibility.