Conflictual Media Events,Eyewitness Images,and the Boston Marathon Bombing (2013) |
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| Authors: | Mette Mortensen |
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| Institution: | 1. metmort@hum.ku.dk |
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| Abstract: | The proliferation of camera phones over the past decade has created an unprecedented landslide of visual information in the online public sphere, transforming the form and amount of communication in relation to crisis events. International research on this subject has primarily centered on the way in which the production and dissemination of eyewitness images convert mainstream media's coverage of crisis. This article broadens the perspective by focusing on eyewitness images in relation to “conflictual media events.” The article contributes to discussions on the definition of conflictual media events in today's mediatized and connective media environment, which has undergone radical changes from the era of mass media hegemony when Daniel Dayan and Elihu Katz first outlined media events. The article further examines the ways in which the circulation of eyewitness images erodes established boundaries between experts and laymen and between professionals and non-professionals in relation to conflictual media events. The bombing of the Boston Marathon in April 2013 constitutes the empirical point of departure. |
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| Keywords: | Boston Marathon bombing 2013 conflictual media event experts and laymen eyewitness images media event professionals and non-professionals |
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