NEW YORK. The ongoing conflict in Gaza is not just a battleground on the ground but also in the digital realm, as news organizations grapple with a deluge of videos from various sources. While journalists face limited access to the war zone, the abundance of online footage has become a critical, albeit emotionally overwhelming, resource for documenting the realities of the conflict.
Livestreams capturing the skyline of Gaza City, dash-cam footage from Israel, satellite imagery revealing tank tracks, and even mall security cameras recording bomb detonations contribute to the complex mosaic of information available to news outlets. Sifting through this material to verify authenticity and uncover unexpected connections has become an increasingly crucial aspect of modern journalism.
Katie Polglase, an investigative producer for CNN, emphasized the significance of this digital age journalism, stating, “It has become a key part of doing journalism in the modern age.”
Recognizing the importance of leveraging data and technology, CBS News recently launched “CBS News Confirmed,” a dedicated team tasked with studying online evidence. Similarly, the “BBC Verify” unit was formed earlier this year to enhance open-source reporting methods on a global scale.
This capability was notably evident when major news organizations, including The New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, CNN, and The Associated Press, conducted in-depth analyses of video evidence to ascertain the disputed cause of a deadly explosion at Gaza’s al-Ahli Arab Hospital on October 17. Despite differing conclusions, the use of video evidence underscores the evolving nature of journalism.
In an era where audiences expect immediate and shared viewing experiences, the ubiquity of smartphones equipped with video cameras has transformed the way news events are reported. Wendy McMahon, president of CBS News and Stations, acknowledged this shift, stating, “The reality is that audiences expect to participate in a shared viewing experience, to learn what is going on along with anchors and reporters.”
The abundance of video content on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Instagram, Telegram, and Facebook presents both harrowing and misleading images. Combatants strategically use such visuals to influence public perception, as evident in the case of Hamas members wearing cameras during their October 7 killing spree in Israel.
However, the challenge for news organizations lies not only in debunking falsehoods but also in striking a balance between conveying reality and considering the potential trauma inflicted on consumers by graphic content. The increasing prevalence of manipulated videos, commonly known as deep fakes, adds an additional layer of complexity to the task of verifying information.
While artificial intelligence is a concern, experts suggest its current impact in this war has been limited compared to the circulation of old videos presented as new. Journalists find themselves at the forefront of countering misinformation, utilizing open-source reporting methods to piece together stories from various online sources.
The toll on journalists involved in this investigative work is not just physical but also emotional. News outlets are now recognizing the importance of mental health support for journalists exposed to disturbing video content for extended periods.
In a world inundated with information, news organizations navigate the challenges of ensuring accuracy, authenticity, and responsible reporting amidst the evolving landscape of digital journalism.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
