Date of Award
12-2004
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Communication
First Advisor
Dr. Keith M. Hearit
Second Advisor
Dr. Steven C. Rhodes
Third Advisor
Dr. Julie Apker
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
This thesis studies the crisis management strategies employed by Martha Stewart as she responded to allegations surrounding her sale of ImClone stock in December 2001. Through rhetorical analysis, which utilizes the generic method of criticism, it examines Ms. Stewart's public responses to her crisis that were broadcast on television, printed in newspapers and magazines, and posted on Stewart's website, and found that she used primary strategies of denial and minimization. Finally, this thesis concludes that Ms. Stewart's responses are considered appropriate as they relate to the expectations of her audience as well as her attempt to repair her image and that of Martha Stewart Living OmniMeida.
Recommended Citation
Schmidt, Rebecca A., "Denying and Minimizing the Allegations: The Martha Stewart Scandal" (2004). Masters Theses. 3985.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/3985