Citizen journalism

Citizen_journalism_unconference_(986030423)

Citizen_Journalist

Female_using_a_smartphone_to_take_photographs

Citizen journalism is a form of journalism in which the general public plays an active role in the process of collecting, reporting, analyzing, and disseminating news and information. This practice is also known as public journalism, participatory journalism, democratic journalism, guerrilla journalism, or street journalism.

History

The concept of citizen journalism has been around for centuries, but it gained significant traction with the advent of the Internet and social media. The rise of blogging platforms in the early 2000s allowed individuals to publish their own news stories and opinions, bypassing traditional media outlets. The proliferation of smartphones equipped with cameras further empowered citizens to capture and share news events in real-time.

Characteristics

Citizen journalism is characterized by its grassroots nature and the involvement of ordinary people in the news-making process. Unlike professional journalists, citizen journalists may not have formal training in journalism. However, they often provide unique perspectives and firsthand accounts of events that might be overlooked by mainstream media.

Key characteristics of citizen journalism include:

• **Accessibility**: Anyone with an internet connection and a device can participate.
• **Immediacy**: News can be reported and shared in real-time.
• **Diversity**: A wide range of voices and perspectives are represented.
• **Interactivity**: Readers can engage with content through comments and social media.

Platforms

Citizen journalism can be found on various platforms, including:

• Blogs
• Social media networks like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram
• YouTube and other video-sharing sites
• Independent news websites
• Community radio stations

Impact

Citizen journalism has had a profound impact on the media landscape. It has democratized the flow of information, allowing for a more diverse range of voices to be heard. It has also played a crucial role in covering events that might be ignored or underreported by traditional media, such as protests, natural disasters, and human rights abuses.

However, citizen journalism also faces challenges, including issues of credibility, accuracy, and ethical standards. The lack of editorial oversight can sometimes lead to the spread of misinformation and fake news.

Notable Examples

Some notable examples of citizen journalism include:

• The coverage of the Arab Spring uprisings, where citizens used social media to document and share events as they unfolded.
• The use of Twitter during the 2010 Haiti earthquake to provide real-time updates and coordinate relief efforts.
• The documentation of police brutality and racial injustice in the United States through smartphone videos and social media posts.

Related Pages

• Journalism
• Social media
• Blogging
• Fake news
• Arab Spring
• 2010 Haiti earthquake
• Police brutality

See Also

• Public journalism
• Participatory journalism
• Democratic journalism
• Guerrilla journalism
• Street journalism

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