Palestinian journalists turn to social media: Experiences and practices of covering the asymmetrical conflict in Jerusalem

Abstract

This study explores the use of social media platforms by Palestinian journalists covering events in Jerusalem within the context of the asymmetrical conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. Our findings, based on data gathered from 10 in-depth interviews, reveal that social media platforms allow journalists to construct an autonomous space for sharing witnesses’ accounts while enabling them to partially avoid restrictions on reporting stemming from conditions of the asymmetrical conflict. The interviewees perceive social media platforms as a potential gateway for spreading alternative narratives to both local and international news arenas, however, our findings suggest that authorities in power still manage to impose restrictions on journalists that mirror the reporting restrictions that existed prior to the advent of social media.

Keywords

• Social Media
• Journalism
• Asymmetrical conflict
• Narratives
• Israeli-Palestinian conflict
• Palestine