(WHM, 2008)
The Internet has conquered and revolutionized communication in our present world. In the field of journalism particularly, the swift emergence and blooming popularity of the relatively category of news media -citizen journalism, undoubtedly stand as one of the biggest challenge facing journalists and other news workers. The changing practices of news media indicate changing roles of both journalists and audiences. A prevalence sign of change would be the increase establishment of active two-way interactions between audiences and news outlets – not only do audiences get a say in determine the content of a journalists’ writings, many even get to participate through writing – the work that was once only given to professional journalist (Quinn & Lamble, 2007).
(Brainstuck.com, 2007)
In Singapore, due to the mainstream news media being highly dominated by the two local media giants, Singapore Press Holdings and MediaCorp, such that both have their managements closely linked to the Singapore Government (Ang, 2003), it is a widely-known fact that the news media do not act as a fourth estate watching over the government and authorities, unlike many western countries which stresses the importance of the watchdog role of its news media. Citizen journalism, a freer form of information exchange as compared to the formal news outlets, has undoubtedly increased the freedom of information for Singaporeans, and aids in the establishing of media as the fourth estate for Singapore.
With the Internet being readily available at to all Singapore, and the increasing usage of smartphone among people, exchanging of information via the online mean has grew in popularity rapidly over the years, resulting in a revolution in the way information is distributed to the masses in our ‘conservative’ society. Citizen journalism has grown so fast and so much that even the mainstream Singapore Press Holdings had to established portals that support citizen journalism, like Stomp and Omy, to keep up with the changing media preference of its audience. True enough, contents in these sites may not be completely free, such that the posts still undergoes reviews and moderations by an editor, news media has no doubt become freer as compared to how it is, say, ten years ago.
(Social Connect Blueprint, 2010)
Although citizen journalism has cast a positive impact on many occasions, like the Obama campaign, Haiti Earthquake 2010 and Japan disaster 2011, its unrestricted nature, especially via social networking has also highlighted things in this world that some people would rather not see. Many are obviously overwhelmed by the opportunity to be a journalist, resulting in the great deal of writings posted online daily, which makes it harder for one to search through the Internet for truly vital news. Some citizen journalists may even abuse the privilege given to them.
(Wagers, 2010)
This hence led to concerns over the professionalism of news media, given the increasing usage of citizen journalism even in mainstream publications and broadcast. Journalist being professionals in the news media plays a much more vital role than to merely contextualizing, editing and proofreading writings of citizen journalist in order to maintain standards and credibility of news media (Tapsall & Varley, 2006). With the rapid advancement of Internet and communication technology, more involvement of audience in journalism would be expected, and since it is unlikely for us to stop technology from progressing, there is a need for journalist and news workers to constantly work on establishing measures to maintain professionalism in news media.
Reference
Ang, P.H. 2003. Media Law and Ethics in Singapore. [Internet] School of Communication Studies, Nanyang Technological University. Available from: http://www.medialaw.com.sg/ [Accessed 23 May 2011].
Brainstuck.com. 2007. Citizen Journalism [Image] Available from: http://www.brainstuck.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/citizen-journalism-400x336.jpg [Accessed 23 May 2011].
Quinn, S. & Lamble, S. (2007). ‘Citizen Journalism and Audience-Generated Content’, Online Newsgathering: Research and Reporting for Journalism. Focal Press, Burlington, 43-57.
Renee, S. 2009. Funny Citizen Journalism [Image] Available from: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlnD5WWCwzU_V2ogoW7PXope6Skb1rayNHzNkZwLUqPN6E8W25KXaP98o3Utyjm7ZUrzW881JnJb2HximwrqXz0Q7kqp7ZVI0VhAB38Px_SQac841WDO8A7Z0p0xdomB729tSjIJV1D9DC/s1600/citizen_journalism_42.jpg [Accessed 23 May 2011].
Social Connect Blueprint. 2010. Crazy Dude [Image] Available from: http://www.socialconnectblueprint.com/wp-content/uploads/crazy-dude-cartoon.jpg [Accessed 23 May 2011].
Tapsall, S. & Varley, C. (2006). Journalism Theory in Practise. Oxford University Press, London.
Wagers, S. 2010. Citizen Journalism [Image] Available from: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PE7HXREVoCA/SZwwxYXm7fI/AAAAAAAABGs/2Ud8JqTnvYo/s400/fucked+up+citizen+journalism.jpg [Accessed 23 May 2011].
WHM. 2008. Fun Journalism Quote [Image] Available from: http://moblog.whmsoft.net/123.jpg [Accessed 23 May 2011].
Hi, Joleen :) this is Yale here, enjoyed your blog pretty much..
ReplyDeleteI think Singaporean do not seem like have much freedom to express their opinions even though they have STORM (citizen journalism website). maybe you can explain more about it or share opinion here :)
Hi Joleen,
ReplyDeleteNice post! Yes, I agree with you that citizen journalist have been gaining lots of power in expressing themselves through new media. Nowadays, we can just sit at home, write about what we believe it's newsworthy, post it online and then it will be automatically be read by millions of people. Compared to it in the past, it is much easier for people to get something published and reached by other people through just a click of mouse. As you cited, the tsunami in Japan is a very good example of the emerging power of citizen journalism. Most of the pictures and videos of the tsunami were actually taken by ordinary people. Those pictures and photos tell the whole world what's going on in Japan that period of time. I believe that they speak much more than words do!
However, I believe that mainstream media will not lose their role and importance in the future. Both mainstream and citizen journalism will work hand in hand to keep the world updated because each of them has its own strengths and shortcomings.
Yes I agree that citizen journalism has grown rapidly and it has a great impact on our society. However, what is the role of citizen journalism towards the mainstream media? Does it support or oppose it?
ReplyDeleteInteresting read, I suppose the role of citizen in the entire mass of new media is aptly described by the term " at the right place at the right time". In which citizens who are at the right place at the right time manages to get newsworthy information and then on churn out their own news either via new media, or participatory media in which the traditional mainstream media uses materials from citizen journalism.
ReplyDeleteRather apparent now especially with disaster reportings. E.G: Japan's earthquake
- ZR
I believe that citizen journalism should not be discredited as mere nonsensical blabbering since it helps to provide a perspective from the other side of the fence with regards to an issue receiving courage on the mainstream news or even bring attention to an issue that requires attention.
ReplyDeleteBetter still, citizen journalism can help back up a claim or perspective that mainstream news outlets are covering now.
Take the coverage of Singapore's Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew 'embracing' the public transport system that has received so much coverage in recent times by embarking on rides in the bus and trains for example - his presence on the public transport system first appeared in STOMP, a citizen-journalism web portal, before being picked up by Straits Times.