Ok so citizen journalism is when individuals do essentially what professional reporters do, report information and it’s usually found online. The emergence of the Internet and with it blogs, podcasts, streaming video and other Web-related innovations is what has made citizen journalism possible. But is this a good thing? For people to be getting their news and information from those who have no journalistic experience?
The Internet has given average people like you and me the ability to transmit information globally. This was a power once reserved for only the very largest media corporations and news agencies. I understand that our fourth of estate or our ‘watch dogs’ do at times leave a lot to be desired in terms of the quality or pushing views on to it audience. However I am not so sold on the idea of citizen journalism.
I agree that some people who have never studied or practiced journalism are good at it and may be even better than those found in the profession. But like any profession I can image that there are rules, practices and a code of ethics that need to be followed and I’m not quite sure citizen journalist would fulfill these needs.
Citizen journalism does work when readers send pictures, images, tip-offs and more by email or SMS. I just don’t think the gathering; analyzing and distributing news should be done by anyone with the Internet and an iPhone.
AND no I am on a Journalism Major ha-ha.
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