News photographs depicting the 2022 Russia–Ukraine conflict across Arab and Non-Arab news outlets

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine news photographs that have arguably played a crucial role in influencing audiences’ perception and understanding of complex issues e.g. conflict. Design/methodology/approach This study examines the extent to which Arab and non-Arab news outlets (Khaleej Times, India Times, Japan Times) depict the Russia–Ukraine (2022) conflict over five months (March–July) using visual quantitative analysis of 304 news photographs and analysed by MAXQDA software. Findings Results reveal a predominant focus on the war journalism frame, with minimal representation of the peace journalism frame. The coverage overwhelmingly depicted Ukrainian territories and civilians, largely omitting Russian perspectives. In other words, news framing plays a role in selecting and interpreting information to construct narratives, suggesting that news editorial decisions, news events and viewers’ interest significantly influence visual reporting. Research limitations/implications Results reveal how editorial decisions shape imagery independently of political lean (left-lean, conservative, right-lean). Implications were given from Global South perspectives. Limitations, including e.g. a small image sample, were acknowledged, suggesting scope for broader, longitudinal, multi-platform research. Originality/value This study examines how news photographs play a vital role in influencing the audience’s perceptions of wars and conflicts.