Next generation journalism: Youtuber journalists

This study examines the current practices of the transformations journalism has undergone in the historical process from traditional media to digital media. In this context, the structure of YouTube, which has turned into an alternative and individual media channel, and the professional practices of journalists who carry out their journalism activities in this digital environment are discussed. While digital media are transforming journalism practices that have existed for centuries, it also enables the emergence and spread of new types and styles of journalism. As a one of these virtual environments, Youtube is gradually transforming into a digital news platform for journalists. It is important to understand with what motivation journalists who set up their own television channel on YouTube, prepare their broadcast content and start to earn income without making a million dollar investment and how they apply and transform their journalism practices in this digital environment. From this point of view, YouTube brings the competitions and practices of journalism in traditional media to a digital environment from many names who have different ideas and ideologies, or excluded from the mainstream media or still work in the mainstream media. Furthermore, the mainstream media participates in this race with its institutional structure. At this point, there are discussions on whether YouTube constitutes only an individual media space, offers an alternative broadcasting to television journalism or whether it is a platform that is attached to the mainstream media In Turkey, the professional practices of journalists on YouTube are actually very new and except for a few names this digital environment has not completely satisfied the journalists,. In this case, it is seen that journalists who have moved to this virtual environment seek to produce content that is different from traditional media to be successful. Especially well-known journalists try to create a unique journalism style based on their experiences. In that way, they aim to be sustainable on YouTube and to create an alternative media for their target audiences. However, the main disadvantages of this digital environment are that it is not at the desired level in terms of news content and diversity, insufficient corporate structure and economic income model, advertising revenue and editorial weakness. Although journalists shifts this digital medium in idea of 'bossless journalism', 'alternative to mainstream media' and 'a free environment', the sustainability and economic aspects of their content become dependent on their subscribers and the commercial company YouTube itself. Because of that, it is noteworthy that the majority of YouTuber journalists try to not break their ties with the traditional media. In this study, the new journalism practices in this digital environment are examined by conducting interviews with five journalists who work on YouTube to form a sample. Thus, a framework is presented that with what motivations journalists work in this virtual environment, how they produce content in their channels, the types and themes of their broadcasts, financing models, the advantages and disadvantages of this virtual environment, the future and legal status of digital journalism.