Representation of Video Calls as Media Innovations in the News Programs of Television Stations in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract

The measures introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic have thoroughly changed the previous ways of operation of television stations, especially in journalistic practices of live production and coverage of public significant events. In the altered working conditions, television stations have increasingly turned to the use of video conferencing applications and platforms, such as Skype, Zoom, WhatsUp, and similar services, facilitated by the digital media ecosystem. Covid-19 has acted as a catalyst for changes in the sphere of television technology, production, work routines, and content. However, until now, it has not been studied to what extent the changes induced by the pandemic have truly been accepted, retained, and modified after the cessation of Covid-19-related measures. To fill gaps in scientific knowledge, the task of this study was to examine the presence and use of video calls in informational programs of television stations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the implications of these innovative practices on the content, form, and value of television news. The content analysis method was used for central informational programs of public broadcasters and private stations. The results show the acceptance of innovations but also significant variations in exploiting the potential of this technology. The work contributes to a better understanding of the process of innovation diffusion in the newsrooms of television stations in transitional media systems.