The Effects of Photojournalism and Citizen Journalism on Modern Society

By

Acknowledgement

I would take this opportunity to thank my research supervisor, family and friends for their support and guidance without which this research would not have been possible.

Declaration

I [type your full first names and surname here], declare that the contents of this dissertation/thesis represent my own unaided work, and that the dissertation/thesis has not previously been submitted for academic examination towards any qualification. Furthermore, it represents my own opinions and not necessarily those of the University.

Signed __________________ Date _________________

Abstract

The study at hand discusses the topic of photojournalism and citizen journalism in a holistic sense. It undertakes to discuss the aims and objectives of the study, and through research questions, discusses the concept of journalism and its modern forms. A qualitative research is performed in order to compile the information in a reliable manner. The study is assisted through analysis and conclusion so as to reach solid conclusion.

Table of Contents

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTII

DECLARATIONIII

ABSTRACTIV

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION1

Background1

Problem Statement3

Research Aim3

Research Question3

Objective of the Research4

Layout of the Report4

Chapter 14

Chapter 24

Chapter 34

Chapter 45

Chapter 55

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW6

Journalism6

Photojournalism7

Citizen Journalism10

Traditional and Modern Media11

CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY14

Research Philosophy14

Research Approach14

Research Strategy15

Research Method15

Data Collection Sources16

CHAPTER 4: ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION17

Impacts of Citizen Journalism and Photojournalism18

CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION22

REFERENCES24

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

This study deals with the impact of photojournalism and citizen journalism on the present day's society. It elaborates upon the subject of photojournalism and citizen journalism, their characteristics and features, trends and modifications, and their effects on the modern society. The chapter gives a description of the background, aims, objectives and chapter layout on which the entire dissertation is based.

Background

Traditional media landscapes are in flux for journalists today. Media outlets are facing major losses in advertising revenue and intense competition from online products such as citizen journalist sites. These citizen journalists are not always trained in the same conventions and norms as professionals but are now shaping both news and relationships in the journalistic realm (Porter, Trammell, Chung, Kim, 2007, pp. 2). This research views the norms and conventions of the press through democratic press theory and seeks to determine if hyper-local citizen journalists are continuing to use the conventions engrained in the traditional/legacy media. Democratic press theory views journalism as an integral part of democracy-informing citizens of important facts and issues so that they can make governing decisions (Krueger & Swatman, 2004, pp. 90).

Our understanding of the world is linked to visual images. With the invention of photography, ordinary people were able to see the world from faraway lands, to the depths of the ocean, to a view of the Earth from space. Strife and struggle also were brought into our homes with the capturing of memorable images, such as the street execution of a Viet Cong suspect and a firefighter cradling the body of a tiny victim of the Oklahoma City bombing (Rodgers, 2007, pp. 66). The events recorded by photojournalists and disseminated by the mass media carry the weight of historical documents. These photographs contribute to how people know, understand and develop opinions of people, places ...