Journalism as a profession follows a code of ethics and practices in the exchange of information. Protocols are adhered to in order to relay what is newsworthy to the public with respect to constitutions, and in the interest of the individual. Professionals strive for balance, justice, and enlightenment.
The multimedia and digitalization of the 21st century has dramatically altered the way in which the public shares information, and the way in which it is consumed.
Social media constructs and online news have undoubtedly become ragingly popular, but what is so revolutionary and controversial is participatory journalism. Individuals are becoming active and finding a voice to express emotion, events, news, and personal interests.
Citizen journalism does not follow a protocol, but provides individuals with the opportunity to transfer what is subjectively newsworthy; although, objectivity is a rule of traditional Journalism. Citizen reporting can provide fast, first-hand coverage of breaking news events, but many will question credibility.
On MediaShift, Jessica Clark notes that Rupert Murdoch and Arianna Huffington provided the most outstanding and opposing views at the FTC workshop “How will Journalism Survive the Internet Age?”.
Murdoch accused websites public of rewriting works without attribution, misappropriation of stories, and unfairness, whilst Huffington took on a very different standpoint:
“The contributions of citizen journalists, bloggers, and others who aren’t paid to cover the news are constantly mocked and derided by the critics of the new media who clearly don’t understand that technology has enabled millions of consumers to shift their focus from passive observation to active participation – from couch potato to self-expression”.
An example of active participation in the form of Social Media Marketing, can be found on the personal blog of Scott Monty. Monty was planning a long weekend for his family at Disney World when he came across Twisney, a twitter application that has live updates, photos, and various uses. Monty writes,
“If you want to understand how citizen journalists armed with cellphones are going to change the world–and create challenges and opportunities for businesses–spend a few minutes at Twisney.com.”
He shares Huffington’s optimism in creation and self-expression, urging others to acknowledge and expand the possibilities of user generated content and shared intellectual property.Steve Jobs Had No Heart Attack…And Citizen Journalism Just Failed, by Sarah Perez scolds Citizen Journalism, and the CNNs iReport for releasing a false report about Apple’s Steve Jobs being rushed to the hospital after an alleged heart attack. The report caused an immediate drop in the Apple stock, and panic and confusion in many newsrooms. Because of this report, credibility, reputation and trust were compromised. No fact checking is required and anyone can sign up to be an iReport journalist on the CNN website, which has consequences.
The future of journalism and news sharing is morphing and only through experience, and trial and error. Like technology, and ourselves, it will continue to evolve. Active journalists, both professional and citizen, must help the process along by being responsible what what is contributed as news, and by striving for balance.
Photo courtesy of Fabola on Flickr.
Second sentence uses too many words in the phrase "in order to". All that is needed is "to".
ReplyDeleteThat's all the mistakes I could find.
"The future of journalism and news sharing is morphing and only through experience, and trial and error."
ReplyDeleteFor this sentence I was thinking it could be made clearer by dropping the "and only"
"The future of journalism and news sharing is morphing through experience, and trial and error."
OR You could combine the two sentences together.
"The future of journalism and news sharing is morphing, through experience and trial and error it will continue to evolve."