Mobile-Recorded Video Journalism : The Format’s Impact on the Perceived Experience of Video-Based News

This paper examines news consumers’ perceptions of mobile-recorded footage in vertical format within television news broadcasts. The focus lies on perceptions of credibility and overall impression. The study employs a qualitative methodology in the form of focus groups, comprising a total of three groups with five to six participants in each group. The theoretical framework is grounded in Social credibility theory and Reception theory, with particular emphasis on the Encoding/Decoding model. This study’s findings have been compiled and analyzed using thematic analysis.The results indicate that news consumers hold distinct opinions regarding the use of vertically oriented, mobile-recorded footage in television news. According to the participants, the format influences how viewers perceive a television news segment, both in terms of overall impression and perceived credibility. There are instances in which the format enhances the viewing experience and the sense of credibility, as well as contexts in which it is perceived to detract from them. The participants’ views are, by their own accounts, shaped by a range of factors. Among which are the increased sense of authenticity associated with the format, as well as the perceived risk of manipulation. These two are considered particularly significant.The stimulus material used in this paper consists solely of content from a single source, the Swedish public broadcaster called SVT. For context, SVT is a large, independent, and tax-funded media organization with an independent position in relation to the state, political actors, and commercial interests. Through its broad and diverse output, it plays a key role in promoting democracy, public education, critical thinking, and diversity. Its position within Swedish society is essentially institutionalized. Consequently, the application of Social credibility theory allows for an analysis of participants´ statements in relation to their pre-existing perceptions of the source’s credibility. The application of Reception theory provides an opportunity to better understand why participants interpret the material in specific ways. Drawing on Encoding/Decoding theory, the findings demonstrate that context plays a crucial role in how viewers experience mobile-recorded footage in news broadcasts.This study contributes updated research to a scientific field that remains relatively underexplored. The findings are relevant to news consumers by fostering greater awareness of how the media’s use of mobile formats influences thoughts and feelingsregarding perceived credibility and engagement. Similarly, the results are of relevance to journalists and other media practitioners.