Web 2.0 has been defined as “the business revolution in the computer industry caused by the move to the internet as platform, and, an attempt to understand the rules for success on the new platform” which include treating software as a process of engagement, opening data for re-use by others and thinking of applications as residing in the space between devices (O’Reilly in Bruns, 2008, 3). It is safe to say that this revolution has seen the approach towards the internet change from something companies approached half-heartedly to a view that acknowledges the internet as “a very real and open thing where walls and control don't work” (Creamer, 2008, 1). Along with old conceptions of what the internet is capable of Web 2.0 has also reshaped the very structure and approach of various industries, none more so then news broadcasters and other journalistic institutes the world over. For as technology has advanced so too has the news cycle accelerated and with so many disasters and global events to cover at any one time a form of “open-source reporting, citizen journalism, has stepped in to fill the breach” (Fernando, 2008, 8).
The problem this presents for traditional journalistic sources is similar to the one many industries have been forced to deal with in this interactive age, namely, how best to adapt to these new surroundings in order to not be made redundant. In the case of citizen journalism there is a real fear that it will undermine mainstream news services by addressing alternative issues and shedding light on areas that have not traditionally been covered. As a sign of this concern mainstream news services are beginning to incorporate citizen journalism into their day to day operations and in some cases basing their entire business model on them. NowPublic, a Vancouver-based online news site, is turning ordinary citizens into on-the-spot reporters and is building a veritable army of correspondents, so large in fact that co-founder Leaonard Broday insists that they will become “the world’s largest news organization” (Spence, 2007, 38). By legitimizing these freelance content provides as opposed to rejecting them sites such as NowPublic are taking the right course of action in a market environment where open-sourcing and collective intelligence are key concepts.
In this environment, where the sheer amount of news being generated and reported is limitless I find myself concerned about what this will mean for the future of journalism. For with citizen journalists and traditional broadcasters working in partnership the lines become blurred as to what gets reported, who now controls the quality of what is broadcasted? And with the boundless amount of news being circulated on the web one would think we would be more informed then ever before. However, the sheer volume of information available has, in a way, hidden certain voices and stories more effectively then traditional broadcasters ever could. Is it possible that despite having such a wide range of different stories and opinions available we have become more narrow in our focus then ever before?
Bruns, A. 2008. The Future is User-Led: The Path Towards Widespread Produsage. 1 -10. http://produsage.org/files/The%20Future%20Is%20User-Led%20(PerthDAC%202007).pdf (accessed
Creamer, M. 2008. It's Web 3.0, and someone else's content is king Advertising Age Chicago: Apr 14, 2008. Vol. 79, Iss. 15; pg. 1, 2 pgs
Fernando, A. 2008. Citizen-powered journalism fills a void Communication World Vol. 25, Iss. 1; pg. 8, 2 pgs
Spence, R. 2007. The Ultimate Newsroom Profit
1 comment:
I agree with your apprehension towards the legitimacy and effectiveness of citizen journalism; however I am also of the belief that this form of reporting is required to keep the balance that is sometimes skewed by traditional media outlets such as newspapers. Since its emergence, citizen journalism has acquired a reputation of disseminating information that is either incorrect or bias in nature. It therefore has not been taken seriously by readers of current affairs and other news topics, who are seeking the cold hard facts.
However it must be noted that many of these traditional media outlets are in some ways more bias or irrational in their reporting than citizen journalists. This is a direct result of the ‘investments’ many larger media organisations have in certain political parties and policies. In other words, it may be within their interests to promote certain parties over others, due to the benefits the company may reap as a result of their policies. For example in the United States, the Fox News Channel is regularly accused of reporting in favour of the Republican Party’s right-wing views. In many other countries such as Burma, the media is in fact controlled by the Government, and therefore much of the information is censored to ensure no negative coverage.
Therefore whilst I believe that there is a certain lack of credibility in citizen journalism, I also believe that it is necessary to counteract the sometimes hidden agendas of larger media organisations.
Post a Comment