Yes, the one-to-many model of mass communications no longer reigns supreme. The many-to- many approach now seems to have the upper hand, such that the traditional outlets are beginning to include this approach in their toolkit.

Notwithstanding the changes that are taking place in the media landscape, the concept of news cannot in the true sense of its essence change. It is immaterial whether the purveyor is a journalist in the service of a traditional media outlet, or a citizen journalist/basement blogger operating via one of the social media platforms. The basic criteria for determining what is news remains the same. Is it new? Is it unusual? Is it interesting or significant? Is it about people?

The changes in the media landscape has meant that anyone can easily attempt to practice journalism. However, be he or she a traditional journalist or a citizen journalist/basement blogger, there are certain cannons that should be adhered to. The first is seeking the truth and reporting it by ensuring that the reportage is accurate and fair. Another is minimising harm by balancing the public’s need for information against potential harm or discomfort. Then, there is the requirement to act independently by avoiding conflicts of interest, real or perceived, including disclosing unavoidable conflicts. Finally, is the matter of being accountable and transparent which means taking responsibility for one’s work and explaining one’s decisions to the public.

So, long as the practitioner remains faithful to the concept of news, and adheres to the cannons of journalism, every other matter remains secondary, and is indeed irrelevant.