This special issue of Nordicom Review examines photojournalism in editorial processes in a period of paradigmatic change that so far has received little scholarly attention. On the one hand, news is becoming more visual—including a marked increase of images in print and digital newspapers, as well as a proliferation of visual storytelling on several platforms. On the other hand, professional roles and newsroom processes are changing rapidly; in many news organizations, the photo departments are being reduced or even eliminated. As a result, news organizations are increasingly turning to agency and freelance content.
This special issue aims to examine these shifts, their causes and impact on the image and photojournalism more broadly. Furthermore, a journal issue with an international scope makes it possible to draw comparisons and to chart the future direction of photojournalism in international context. Thus, the purpose is to reach a greater understanding of discursive practices and newsroom routines, visual gatekeeping, the status of the image in journalism, and macro- and micro-level influences on editorial processes concerning photojournalism.
The issue seeks to include empirical research using a wide variety of methods and theoretical approaches. Particularly welcome are proposals addressing professional roles and discourses, various perspectives on newsroom decision-making processes, and questions of quality and ideals. Submissions may address newspaper print and digital platforms, agencies, magazines, or alternative and emerging editorial processes. The issue defines photojournalism broadly when it comes to genre—including news, feature, and in-depth storytelling—as well as form—ranging from still image to multimedia and video.
Guest editors: Astrid Gynnild, Ph. D., Professor and Head of the Journalism Program, Department of Information Science and Media Studies, University of Bergen, Norway; Maria Nilsson (Corresponding editor), Ph. D., Senior Lecturer, Division of Media and Communication Science, Mid Sweden University, Sweden; Anne Hege Simonsen, Associate Professor, Department for Journalism and Media Studies, Oslo and Akershus University College, Norway; Hanna Weselius, Ph. D., University Lecturer / Photography, Aalto University School of Art, Design and Architecture, Finland.
Key dates
Deadline and instructions for abstracts: March 15, 2016 (400-500 words, indicating central questions, methodology, and theoretical framework). Submissions are to be sent to Maria Nilsson: mailto:maria.nilsson@miun.se
Authors notified of decision: April 15, 2016
Deadline for completed articles: October 1, 2016 (max. 7,000 words; followed by peer-review)
Preliminary publication date (after peer-review): Spring 2017
For questions regarding the special issue, contact:
Maria Nilsson
Division of Media and Communication Science
Mid Sweden University
Holmgatan 10
851 70 Sundsvall
Sweden
E.mail: maria.nilsson@miun.se
Mobile phone: +46 70 320 2103
For questions regarding Nordicom Review, contact: Ingela Wadbring, +46 70-333 27 16, ingela.wadbring@nordicom.gu.se
Karin Poulsen
NORDICOM
University of Gothenburg
P O Box 713
SE-405 30 Göteborg
Tel. +46 31 786 4419