Is Mojo (En)De-Skilling?: Unfolding the practices of mobile journalism in an Indian newsroom. (26th November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kumar, Anoop; Mohamed Haneef, M. Shuaib
• Is Part Of: Journalism practice. Volume 12:Number 10(2018)
• Page Start: 1292
• Page End: 1310
• Publication Date: 2018-11-26
• Subjects: convergence -- field theory -- journalistic practice -- mojo habitus; multi-skilling -- newspaper -- video; Journalism -- Periodicals; 070.405
• DOI: 10.1080/17512786.2017.1389291
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1751-2786

Abstract

Abstract : Drawing on Bourdieu's field theory, this paper examines how the Hindustan Times, one of the leading English dailies in India, integrates mojo (contraction of mobile journalism) into its journalistic practices. Further, this paper explores how journalists respond to the concomitant changes brought about by the adoption of technologised practices in the newsroom. The analysis of qualitative data obtained from participant-observation and in-depth interview reveals that the practice of mojo, which is about learning new apps and tools, producing short videos by and for mobile devices, and disseminating news to digital readers through multiple platforms, emerges as a new rule in the field of journalism. Instead of depending solely on a team of mobile journalists, the newspaper aims to develop capabilities and impart training to journalists across the board in the newsroom. This study also reveals that journalists at the Hindustan Times experienced the practice of mojo as both en-skilling and de-skilling.