ABSTRACT
This chapter gives a brief historical overview of important developments within the news industry, with special attention to photojournalism and specifically, conflict photography. Throughout the twentieth century, editors and directors have played a role known as a “gatekeeper.” The editor chooses which information will go forward through distribution channels that can ultimately reach the public. Today, an important source of conflict coverage is citizen journalism, which is not professional work (freelancer or otherwise), but a category that comprises non-professionals who create or distribute some form of documentation. Santiago Lyon emphasizes the dangers of conflict photography when explaining why it accounts for a small portion of the overall Associated Press photo tally. Editors play a special role when overseeing journalists in dangerous situations. They help plan for security, and frequently check in on the photographers to assess both physical and mental well-being.
