Masters Theses

Date of Award

12-1991

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Communication

Major Professor

Robert Heller

Committee Members

James A. Crook, Herbert H. Howard

Abstract

This thesis sought to examine issues about daily newspaper photojournalism in Tennessee and to develop a profile of photojournalists at Tennessee's daily newspapers. Research questions and issues were advanced on nine key topics including 1) demographics, 2) work experience, 3) photo assignments, 4) use of photographs in the newspapers, 5) darkroom facilities and practices, 6) electronic imaging equipment and new technology, 7) professionalism, 8) perceived strengths and weaknesses about photojournalism at the newspapers and 9) open-ended questions for respondents to express other concerns.

To address these issues, the author conducted a state- wide survey of daily newspaper photographers in Tennessee using a 39-item questionnaire. He also did case studies and in-depth interviews of three of the photojournalists, Michael McMullan of The Commercial Appeal in Memphis, Jeff Guenther of The Chattanooga Times and Kelley Scott Walli of The Oak Ridger.

Generally the study found that Tennessee newspaper photographers basically match national demographic trends among photojournalists. The profile of the group of 57 respondents shows they were white (96.5 percent) and male (76.8 percent). Eighty percent were 21-40 years old. Almost two-thirds (63.7 percent) were paid less than $25,000 annually. More than half (55.4 percent) held bachelor's degrees.

Photojournalists in Tennessee reported that they have only moderate levels of input into photo assignments and the use of photos in the newspapers. A majority (76.9 percent) process film by hand, but half process prints by automated processor. A huge majority (90.4 percent) process the film they shoot themselves.

Emerging technological innovations in the form of electronic imaging devices such as still video cameras, portable photo transmitters and electronic picture desks could alter the already limited influence photographers have over how photos are used in the newspapers. A majority (58.2 percent) viewed such technical advances as positive developments. However, a fairly large percentage (36.4 percent) said electronic imaging devices would have negative outcomes. Many ethical concerns about electronic imaging devices, such as alteration of photographs and changes in the influence photojournalists would have in the news process. were voiced by the photographers.

Tennessee's photojournalists also expressed many concerns about professionalism in the newsroom. Almost half (49.1 percent) said they were treated in the same professional manner as reporters and editors on the "word" side. However, 43.9 percent said they were not on an equal footing with writers in their newsrooms.

The greatest strength about photojournalism reported by the respondents was freedom to handle assignments in their own way. The most often mentioned weakness about photojournalism as it was practiced at their newspapers was dissatisfaction with having to shoot staged pictures.

As expected, the open-ended questions brought a diversity of responses. The top recommendation by the photojournalists was that newspapers should work to improve interpersonal communication among the staff.

The author suggested that further communications research should center on electronic imaging, professional equality among visual and verbal communicators, effects of multiple picture stories on newspaper readers and whether newspapers can expect to benefit financially by improving and expanding photojournalism.

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