The Omran Daqneesh Imagery from the Streets of Aleppo to International Frontpages: Political Contestation, Documentary Value and Emotional Appeal

Publikation: Bidrag til tidsskriftTidsskriftartikelfagfællebedømt

This article studies the virality and assigned iconicity of visual icons by examining the roles and interplays between photographers and other media actors contributing to early phases of making and sharing the Omran Daqneesh images from Aleppo, 2016. We draw on theoretical frameworks concerning the mobilization of iconic imagery in today’s digitalized and globalized media landscape as well the interpretive continuum of documentary evidence and emotional appeal typically applied to iconic imagery of children. Empirically, we take our point of departure in interviews with photographers, NGO workers, editors and journalists involved in facilitating, producing and initially disseminating the Omran Daqneesh imagery, to explore how – in contrast to the seemingly straightforward communication offered by visual icons – they are in effect the result of an intricate interplay between these actors, which in different ways and for different reasons contribute to spreading the images and determining their significance and meaning.
OriginalsprogEngelsk
TidsskriftGlobal Media and Communication
Vol/bind17, 2
Sider (fra-til)261-277
ISSN1742-7665
DOI
StatusUdgivet - 1 aug. 2021

ID: 235526528