Abstract:
Premised on disruptive technologies theory and professional identity theory, this study
examines the practice of photojournalism in Ghana by identifying and understanding the
specific roles of the practitioners, their experiences in terms of the challenges they face as
well as perspectives of the future outlook of the practice in Ghana. Using a qualitative
research approach and phenomenology as a design, the data for the study was collected
via in-depth interviews. This study sampled 6 photojournalists who work for some
selected highly patronized media institutions in Ghana. The study revealed that the roles
of photojournalists in Ghana include; covering new events, creating online photo essays
as well as taking videos and creating short skits for social media. The study confirmed
that the influx of new technologies has affected the traditional notion of photojournalism
practice. Hence, photojournalism roles have become democratized, creating competition
between professionals and amateur or iPhone-armed photographers. Therefore,
photojournalists are expected to upskill to expand their capabilities and remain relevant in
the newsroom. The study also identified the diverse challenges photojournalists face in
their practice in Ghana, including; stigmatization, job losses, financial crisis, physical
abuses, copyright infringement, technological challenges etc. The study revealed that in
future, there is likely to be an imminent switch from news photography to fashion
programs, awards shows, music events, parties, weddings and funerals due to financial
difficulties in news photography.
Description:
A Thesis in the Department of Strategic Communication, School of Communication and Media Studies, Submitted to the School of Graduate Studies in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of Master of Philosophy (Strategic Communication) in University of Education, Winneba
November, 2022