“‘We are all journalists now’ is a phrase sometimes heard [...] Is this correct? Is it enough to have a mobile phone camera and an internet connection to be a journalist?” (Örnebring 2013: 39)
When the earthquake and the fifteen-metre hit the coast near Tokyo on 11 March 2011, it wasn't news reporters or professional journalists that were the first ones that were on the spot. The most useful footage of the horrible events was gathered by the citizens of Sendai, a city on the North East coast that had been struck by the tsunami. This footage was later used by several news agencies for their television news reports about the tsunami. Without knowing it, those people filming the tragic natural disaster had engaged in a kind of journalism that challenges traditional news gathering and media habits: citizen journalism. In the following part, I am going to give a definition of citizen journalism and explain the practises that are used. After that I am going to show how and to what extent it challenges traditional journalism.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Definition of Citizen Journalism
3. Advantages of Citizen Journalism
4. Disadvantages and Challenges of Citizen Journalism
5. Conclusion and Future Perspectives
Research Objectives and Themes
This paper explores the phenomenon of citizen journalism, specifically examining how it challenges traditional news gathering and media practices, using the 2011 Japanese earthquake and tsunami as a primary case study.
- The role of non-professional citizens in documenting breaking news events.
- The impact of social media and mobile technology on global news distribution.
- The controversy regarding journalism ethics, credibility, and professional training.
- The shifting dynamics between established news organizations and participatory media models.
- The potential for collaboration between citizen and professional journalists.
Excerpt from the Book
Citizen journalism challenges traditional journalism in many ways.
There has been a lot of controversy over the term “citizen journalism”, “because many professional journalists believe that only a trained journalist can understand the rigours and ethics involved in reporting the news.” (Glaser 2006) In conclusion, there has been a debate if citizen journalism is journalism at all. Moreover, the fact that many professional journalists also engage in blogging or tweeting only complicates the on-going discussion about what is journalism and what is not.
One major advantage of citizen journalism in contrast to traditional journalism though is that professional journalists cannot be everywhere at all times, especially considering breaking news which no one knows about beforehand. Ordinary people are “more often than not in the wrong place at the wrong time” (Allen 2010) and they are “compelled to take on the role of reporter.” (2010) The motivation of people like the ones filming the tsunami that was a consequence of the 9.0 magnitude earthquake that preceded it is “to bear witness to crisis events unfolding around them.” (2010)
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Introduces the rise of citizen journalism as a powerful force in media, prompted by the 2011 Japanese earthquake.
2. Definition of Citizen Journalism: Defines citizen journalism as the public's collection and dissemination of news using modern technology and the internet.
3. Advantages of Citizen Journalism: Highlights the role of citizens in capturing events where professionals are absent and the value of unfiltered, authentic perspectives.
4. Disadvantages and Challenges of Citizen Journalism: Discusses concerns regarding the lack of rigorous fact-checking, limited research capabilities, and the potential for errors.
5. Conclusion and Future Perspectives: Summarizes the tension between traditional and citizen journalism and suggests that their collaboration could improve overall journalism quality.
Keywords
Citizen Journalism, Traditional Journalism, Social Media, 2011 Japanese Earthquake, Tsunami, Digital Media, News Gathering, Participatory Journalism, Twitter, Blogging, Credibility, Authenticity, Professional Journalists, Amateur Footage, Media Ethics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this publication?
The work examines the rise and influence of citizen journalism in contrast to traditional professional news reporting.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
It covers media technology, the evolution of news gathering, the ethics of journalism, and the impact of user-generated content during major disasters.
What is the main research question of the text?
The paper asks how and to what extent citizen journalism challenges the long-standing habits and practices of traditional news institutions.
Which scientific method is applied?
The author uses a qualitative case study analysis, focusing on events following the 2011 Japanese earthquake and tsunami to evaluate journalistic practices.
What is covered in the main body of the text?
The text defines citizen journalism, contrasts its advantages and disadvantages against traditional media, and analyzes the shift in the balance of power between professional reporters and the public.
Which keywords best describe this work?
Key terms include citizen journalism, news gathering, social media, media credibility, and participatory journalism.
How does the author view the credibility of citizen journalists compared to professionals?
The author notes that while citizen journalists are often viewed as more authentic and trustworthy by the public, they lack the institutional resources, ethical training, and rigorous fact-checking procedures of professional news organizations.
How did social media specifically affect the 2011 Japanese earthquake coverage?
Social media provided a platform for citizens to share real-time, raw footage of the disaster and helped relief organizations coordinate information for those in need.
Does the author conclude that citizen journalism will replace traditional journalism?
No, the author suggests that the future likely involves a convergence where competition or collaboration between the two leads to improved overall quality in journalism.
- Quote paper
- Alana Speer (Author), 2013, Challenges Citizen Journalism Sets Traditional Journalism, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/281270
