We Can All Do Journalism
Yes! that’s right we can all do journalism. With the use of modern technology like our cellphones, we can share stories, or rather news, to the public. Just shoot, upload and share. The pictures you take and the videos you shoot, can be source of information for people to witness events happening or that happened, may it be a good one or a bad one.
Not only does these footages help inform the public but also help actual investigations. An example of this is Paul Lewis, a journalist who helped solve two murders through the use of the internet, and these became possible through the help of other citizens who shared their photographs and videos of the murder. Citizens helping out other citizens through collaborative journalism.
Other Side of the Story
Citizen Journalism can show the other side of the story. Some mainstream news can be biased and show only one side of the story. Others could also leave out details which citizen journalists provide.
In Paul Lewis’ Ted Talk, police were able to change the story behind Ian Tomlinson’s case. But thanks to citizen journalism, justice was given to Ian Tomlinson.
Verification is Essential
Nowadays, the internet is where people read or watch the news and somehow the social media became news providers for several people. Since every citizen is given the power to share and be able to provide news, a lot of information are spreading and not all are true. That’s why fact checking is vital. People have different beliefs and opinions which can influence their way of telling or showing stories. Citizen Journalism can be subjective. So verify before reacting and sharing.
To deeper understand citizen journalism watch Paul Lewis’ Ted Talk :
