Citizen Journalism, Everybody is Journalist

The era of citizen journalism has dawned. The question is, where is it going? With the digital platform anyone, no matter what race, class, education, experience, or age group, can write and publish news and information for the public to view. This new media is free for boundless creativity, endless voices, and unfettered news.

While expansiveness is a blessing, it can also be viewed as a curse. Are citizen journalism sites a good thing or are amateur journalists obstructing the view of traditional journalism?

The Pros and Cons of Amateur Journalism

Who are citizen journalists? What is positive about this emerging group of media makers? Experts and professionals writing a blog about current events in their field, individuals covering a facet of local news, groups of students covering a movement or an event — all of these people could be considered to be citizen journalists. They keywords are participatory and all-inclusive. There may not be a financial incentive, as is the case with professional journalists, and if there is one it is usually very small.

This new form of media is wonderful for the promotion of free expression, free speech, and the free and rapid exchange of ideas and information. The power of the pen is now in every hand. When internet media sites are owned by citizens rather than mega corporations there is no corporate censorship.

On the other hand, without the work of well-paid, experienced editors and formally trained writers, the products of citizen journalism may lack the accuracy and skill of professional work. Without a knowledge of journalistic rights and ethics there is likely to be self-censorship. What are websites created by amateur journalists like?