Visual journalism in Bulgarian regional online media – meta-analysis
Visual journalism in Bulgarian regional online media – meta-analysis

Author(s): Yotka Pancheva
Subject(s): Social Sciences, Media studies, Communication studies
Published by: Факултет по журналистика и масова комуникация, Софийски университет „Св. Кл. Охридски”
Keywords: journalism; visual journalism; visual communication; multimodal communication; dispositive analysis
Summary/Abstract: This article presents a comprehensive meta-analysis of the current state and professional contradictions of visual journalism in regional online media in Bulgaria. It synthesizes findings from a national empirical survey conducted in 2024 and an observational content analysis of 150 regional news websites. The study identifies five major contradictions concerning the recognition, institutionalization, compensation, ethical practice, and training of visual journalists. While multimedia skills are widely perceived as essential among journalists, the findings show minimal structural support or dedicated roles in regional media. The analysis also reveals disparities in training access across demographic groups and significant ethical challenges arising from the delegation of visual tasks to untrained generalists. The article contributes original insights into the Bulgarian media environment, highlighting a systemic undervaluation of visual journalism despite its rhetorical importance. The study calls for educational reform, targeted policy action, and stronger professional standards to support the integration of visual journalism in regional newsrooms.

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