In the past, the title of "journalist" gave those who bore it an air of importance. This description, held only by a select few, gave them the power to influence and effect many audiences. However, in the age of the online world, the prestige of bringing the news has shifted from the once select few, to now being anyone with computer access.
Arianna Huffington, founder of the Huffington Post, spoke about this movement of citizen journalism saying it enables consumers to "shift their focus from passive observation to active participation."
Anyone can now be a provider of information. Instead of waiting for news outlets to tell you what justifies news, citizens can decide for themselves and make known what they believe to be newsworthy.
In the case of the Tiananmen Square Massacre in China, the government had the power to censor or ban what went into established media like the newspapers. In a case like this, it is the citizen journalism that becomes one of the more informative outlets to what is really happening.
Everyone has a story to tell; some more impacting than others. Through new media, these stories are able to reach a market where people can decide for themselves whether they want to hear it, or ignore it.The future isn't heading towards citizen journalism, it's already there and growing more to vast each day. The facts cannot be ignored that the world is changing and adapting to life online. Many may criticize the efforts of bloggers, but it's hard to ignore the impact citizen journalist has had already.
Very good points, good job in shaping an argument that represents both sides of the issue of citizen journalism. From an editors perspective the first part of the blog was very well thought out and presented; however, the last paragaph leaves something to be desired.
ReplyDeleteThere are too many commas that are unnecesary and some wording issues. I don't know what you mean by, "growing more to vast each day." I think if you mean the field is growing more vast every day there is a better way to word it.
I agree with Jen that the first portion of your blog was better, but your post was still MAGICAL.
ReplyDeleteThe following could have been worded differently: "In a case like this, it is the citizen journalism that becomes one of the more informative outlets to what is really happening." An editor would probably want you to write this in a more active tone, with "citizen journalism" instead of "the citizen journalism."
You should have equal spaces between each of your paragraphs. Also, the URL could have been given a title rather than all those SLASHES and JABS at the end of the post.