This week's seminar presentation focused on the issue of citizen journalism, and whether or not it is beginning to diminish the impact and influence of professional journalism. The Online Journalism Review (ORJ) defines it as, "the collecting and publication of timely, unique, nonfiction information by individuals without formal journalism training or public affiliation."
A fellow student argued, in the discussion which followed the presentation, that citizens will never replace the role of professional journalists because of their lack of credibility and training. However, as Jason Stverak points out in his article for the ORJ, the "traditional news media reporters and editors are being devastated by a financial crisis, not a journalism crisis...those of us who work with citizen journalists in online news ventures know better than anyone what a tough, disciplined calling it is. That is why we hire professionals and rigorously train citizens."
The seminar presentation provided the 2005 London Bombings as an effective example of the increasing popularity of citizen journalism. As Arianna Huffington, co-founder and editor-in-chief of The Huffington Post, states, "with the expansion of the Web and the ever-decreasing size and cost of cameraphones and video camera's, the ability to commit acts of journalism is spreading to everyone, including you." But is all this technology transforming ordinary members of the public into scavengers and citizen paparazzi? Mark Glazer, writing for the ORJ, cites the blog of a surviver of the London Bombings, who identified himself only as Justin. In his personal account of the tragedy, Justin recalls that "as I stepped out, people with cameraphones vied to try and take pictures of the worst victims. In crisis, some people are cruel." People were easily able, and encouraged, to then upload this insensitive material within a few seconds onto photo-sharing websites such as Flickr.
Following this week's presentation, I have begun to undertake some research on my own seminar topic, due next week, on "Who pays for Journalism? Is it just about money?" A definition of journalism is provided by James Poniewozik, who describes it as, "a full time job paid for by newsgathering entities through a combination of subscriptions and advertising."
Though people have been subscribing to newspapers for decades, whether they will pay for online content is an issue which has been keenly discussed. Rupert Murdoch's decision to introduce a subscription fee to his Times Newspapers in June has been met with contrasting opinions.
Jeff Jarvis, who claims he worked for Murdoch's TV Guide in America, comments that by building his paywall around the Times Newspapers, Murdoch has "said no to new ideas to build advertising...he has no new ideas to build deeper and more valuable relationships with readers and will send them away if they do not pay."
Jarvis continues by stating that, "Murdoch does not use the internet, let alone Google, so he cannot possibly understand the dynamics, demands and opportunities of our post-industrial, now digital-media economy." However, others, such as myself, believe that a pay wall is important as it offers a stable influx of money for the Times, at a fee which is unlikely to scare away loyal readers (1 pound per day, or 2 pounds per week).
Further research will be undertaken on the history of payments for journalism and the influential role of the topic discussed at the beginning of my entry, citizen journalism, before the presentation next week.
Citizen journalism is definitely a worrying trend for professional journalists Ben, as you so rightly point out. It's just so easy for people to film other citizens. This brings up a whole host of ethical issues, as we know, including that of privacy. What is captured can also be taken out of context and be reported as fact, which of course does not paint journalism in a particularly good light.
ReplyDeleteHowever, there are certainly advantages of it, including being able to produce news that nobody else can. Peter, Catherine and I did use the London Bombings as a perfect example of this, and there are also many others, including the Burmese monks. It's at its best in countries where the government is in control of the media.
I think it's something that we need to embrace, and this is why I argued for it. However, citizen journalists don't really check their sources; it's really opinions, and what they see. Thus, if this is the future, and let's hope it isn't for our sakes, then they are taught to be like real journalists and produce quality news items.