This week, we had an interesting lesson on 'Internet and Journalism'. I have the intention in becoming a journalist, be it whether I'm the one directly writing the article or editing others' works, which is why I took this communication course in the first place so that I would be more well-equipped with the necessary and useful skills needed in becoming a great journalist.
As more and more people have Internet access, they take advantage of the many different online platforms like Facebook and Twitter and even news sites to create and disseminate their own point of view of certain events. This phenomenon leads to a skyrocketing rise of citizen journalism.
But first, what is 'citizen journalism'?
Citizen journalism is when members of the public with a lack of journalism experience report information and disseminate that information in a public platform. Basically, they are acting like professional reporters and journalists, just without the professionalism.
As more and more people have Internet access, they take advantage of the many different online platforms like Facebook and Twitter and even news sites to create and disseminate their own point of view of certain events. This phenomenon leads to a skyrocketing rise of citizen journalism.
But first, what is 'citizen journalism'?
Citizen journalism is when members of the public with a lack of journalism experience report information and disseminate that information in a public platform. Basically, they are acting like professional reporters and journalists, just without the professionalism.
So, as we learnt in class, the Internet has encouraged a shift in who creates, distributes and ultimately owns the news, leading to professional journalists losing their monopoly on international news. This in turn leads to a number of obvious problems behind this democratic news-gathering process.
It is quite a trend among citizen journalists to exaggerate their reports and they could be acting as such because they want their news to get noticed very quickly. Another problem is that since citizen journalists are mostly doing their reports based on their own free will i.e. without being paid, they do not give the same level of commitment to their work as professional journalists do.
So, how can citizen participate and contribute in the betterment of society through citizen journalism?
Professional journalists adhere to a code of ethics that guides them in reporting fairly and truthfully. By following these guidelines, professional journalists are able to build their credibility and earn their audience's trust.
Citizen journalists too can abide by these guidelines, thereby raising their editorial and ethical standards of their posts. So, here are some guidelines for you citizen journalists out there!
1. Be truthful and accurate
Always report your observations first-hand. This means you must not modify pictures or video footage and quotes of interviewees. No one would appreciate people who exaggerate news accounts just to get some attention. Do not be a Pinocchio!
Also, always double-check your sources and make sure you always credit your sources, if they are any. If anything seems shady and you cannot verify them, do not post them and leave it to people who are more knowledgeable about the issue.
2. Differentiate between facts and opinions
In the case of reporting news, stick to the facts and leave out any personal views so that your piece would be written objectively (factual account) whereas in the case of of writing an analysis or commentary, be sure that you are only writing from your own perspective (opinion).
3. Be fair and transparent
Weigh both sides of the issue before publishing your reports.
And, if you happen to have a vested interest in the issue or a conflict of interest with it, declare that in your posts so that your readers would know where you are coming from. This is a practice of transparency.
4. Minimize harm
There are some stories where people feel uncomfortable sharing so do your part by respecting their privacy and not pry into their lives. In particular, be extra sensitive towards victims of tragedies.
Also, please do not risk your safety in your effort to report a story. Value your lives.
It is quite a trend among citizen journalists to exaggerate their reports and they could be acting as such because they want their news to get noticed very quickly. Another problem is that since citizen journalists are mostly doing their reports based on their own free will i.e. without being paid, they do not give the same level of commitment to their work as professional journalists do.
So, how can citizen participate and contribute in the betterment of society through citizen journalism?
Professional journalists adhere to a code of ethics that guides them in reporting fairly and truthfully. By following these guidelines, professional journalists are able to build their credibility and earn their audience's trust.
An example of such code of ethics is the SPJ Code of Ethics from the Society of Professional Journalists.
Citizen journalists too can abide by these guidelines, thereby raising their editorial and ethical standards of their posts. So, here are some guidelines for you citizen journalists out there!
1. Be truthful and accurate
Always report your observations first-hand. This means you must not modify pictures or video footage and quotes of interviewees. No one would appreciate people who exaggerate news accounts just to get some attention. Do not be a Pinocchio!
Also, always double-check your sources and make sure you always credit your sources, if they are any. If anything seems shady and you cannot verify them, do not post them and leave it to people who are more knowledgeable about the issue.
2. Differentiate between facts and opinions
In the case of reporting news, stick to the facts and leave out any personal views so that your piece would be written objectively (factual account) whereas in the case of of writing an analysis or commentary, be sure that you are only writing from your own perspective (opinion).
3. Be fair and transparent
Weigh both sides of the issue before publishing your reports.
And, if you happen to have a vested interest in the issue or a conflict of interest with it, declare that in your posts so that your readers would know where you are coming from. This is a practice of transparency.
4. Minimize harm
There are some stories where people feel uncomfortable sharing so do your part by respecting their privacy and not pry into their lives. In particular, be extra sensitive towards victims of tragedies.
Also, please do not risk your safety in your effort to report a story. Value your lives.
5. Be accountable
Do take responsibility for all of your reports. Be receptive to comments and feedback. Remember that by publishing online, you are exposing yourself to the rest of the world who would criticize your work. If you were to make any mistakes, admit them and correct them.
I guess this is it for my post #11!
Until next post, see ya!
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