Bogans in the news: A case of media reflexivity

Abstract

In March 2007, the New Zealand government announced the outcome of its competitive funding round for Top Achiever Doctoral Scholarships. This article traces the news controversy emerging with the awarding of a scholarship for the first author to study the everyday lives of Bogans. Across radio, newspaper and television news outlets tensions emerged regarding the (mis)use of public monies, representations of Bogans, and common understandings of academic research. The authors document their efforts to extend news deliberations beyond negative reactions to the scholarship.