Transformation of a war journalist profession: The case of the full-scale Russo–Ukrainian conflict

Abstract

The Russo–Ukrainian (RU) conflict serves to illustrate the vital role of modern technological tools which are employed on a wide scale by journalists, military personnel and civilians. The internet and social media have had an impact on the work of war journalists, as evidenced by the example of the ongoing war in Ukraine. Journalists reporting on this war have had to adapt to these changes. Therefore, this research investigated the development of the work of war correspondents. The authors conducted 18 in-depth interviews with reporters and journalists covering the RU war with previous experience in work in a war zone. This methodological approach aimed to achieve three research objectives: (1) to demonstrate the changes that have occurred in war coverage; (2) to compare the work of journalists from various editorial offices; and (3) to present the characteristics of contemporary journalists covering the war. The research conclusions indicate a clear evolution of the profession of a war journalist. Recent changes have resulted in improvements in certain areas compared to previous circumstances. Nonetheless, they have also led to a deterioration of working conditions in other fields.