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This book provides novel insights into the perspectives of journalists in Sierra Leone and on their work by examining their perceived journalistic values and the influences that shape them. It treats journalism as an occupational identity and as a community that works on the foundation of the sub-Saharan African philosophies that exalts communal values in every sphere of life.
When journalists speak about their social function in society and values, they are sharing both their individual knowledge and experiences on their work. Therefore, journalistic values are never isolated ideologies, but exist within the contexts in which they practice. In this book, Sarah Bomkapre Koroma examines the perceptions of journalists on the societal influences that impact their work, ranging from individual, procedural, organizational, political, economic, and many more. Questions explored include:
- What journalism cultures exist in Sierra Leone?
- What effects do societal factors have on these journalistic cultures?
- How do journalists in Sierra Leone describe their roles?
- What epistemological underpinnings do they consider during practice?
- What ethical considerations do the journalists share?
List of contents
1: Introduction.- 2: Turbulence in Journalism in Sierra Leone: Past and present.- 3: The Formation of Journalism Cultures and Occupational Identities.- 4: Societal Influences on Journalistic Values.- 5: Shared Occupational Values of Journalists: The case of Sierra Leone.- 6: Journalism Cultures in Sub-Saharan Africa.
About the author
Sarah Bomkapre Koroma is a media researcher with a strong multimedia background. She obtained her PhD from the Institute of Communication Studies and Media Research, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Germany (2020). Her research interests include media cultures in transitional countries, development journalism and global media studies. She serves as the Principal Investigator for Sierra Leone, Worlds of Journalism Study Organization, a research group assessing journalism cultures and trends in multiple countries globally.
