On Citizen Journalism

I was recently interviewed by a journalism student about citizen journalism. And as a matter of preference and policy, I like to post interview transcripts here in full, so I’m not misquoted or taken out of context. Here are the questions and my responses.

*What is citizen journalism?*

To me, citizen journalism is any action done by anyone that aims to share information to the rest of the world. This can be in any medium, but given the popularity of the Internet both as a mass “broadcast” and a “narrowcast” medium, blogs, social networks and other such new media are often attached to the term “citizen journalism.” However, as may be evident with “letters to the editor” or “citizen patrol”
portions of broadcast and print media, citizen journalism can also exist in mass media.

*What motivates you to engage in this kind of activity?*

My main medium for sharing information online is through my blogs. My main motivation is my love for writing, both creative and for informational purposes. Most of the “citizen journalism” I have done
so far would be about topics that i’m keen about, such as technology, literature, and the like.

*How is the practice of citizen journalism similar and/or different from professional journalism?*

The Internet has broken certain barriers, I believe. For instance, mainstream media has been picking up on grassroots reportage. Blog posts are often cited on some news reports. The other side of the coin
would be that professional journalists are also discovering the benefits of new media, and are also contributing their commentary there.

I could say that, in practical terms, what sets citizen journalism and professional journalism apart is that professional journalists earn compensation from their activity. Most grassroots reporting would come
out of personal interest or need.

In more operational terms, however, professional journalists do follow certain norms and standards. And there are editorial procedures often followed. There are fact-checking, protection of sources, and the
like. However, this doesn’t mean non-professionals cannot also subscribe to these standards and practices.

*What sets you apart from professional journalists?*

I can say that a “citizen journalist” would usually pursue this activity out of passion. I wouldn’t write about something that I’m not interested in. If I were to make a living out of something, then that
makes it less fun (and somehow less interesting).

*Is it important to set and follow certain rules and standards in gathering and disseminating news on your part? Why? How?*

I believe in being responsible with what one writes online. What you write, what you post, what you say becomes public record, and can often be archived through some means (even if you delete a post).

See following posts:
* How to blog a complaint (Blog Herald)
* The anatomy of breaking news (racoma.net)

*What are the matters that the public needs to understand about citizen journalism?*

In my opinion, the public needs to understand that a lot of people now have access to mediums like blogs, social networks, microblogging services (such as Twitter) and others, that enable them to spread the word about something at the grassroots level. Citizen journalism doesn’t necessarily have to be about a political event, a calamity, disaster, crime or whatnot. It happens everyday when you write about your personal experiences, when you review a movie, when you photograph your new gadget.

I guess it’s a matter of perspective and definitions. To me, citizen journalism is any act by any person in which he/she shares information online, be these fact or opinion.

*What are the advantages and disadvantages of citizen journalism?*

I would say it’s about empowerment. Information is no longer centralized. Perhaps the disadvantage of this is abuse and misuse. See my cited posts above. The power to inform, when used inappropriately, can cause panic and security risks.

For instance, if you witness a heinous crime and you post about it on your blog, do you honestly think you would just get away with it? (Why not try to be anonymous, instead?)

Also, bloggers, Twitter users, social networkers might not necessarily be too keen on following some rules or laws. Sure, we might get excited with leaked designs of the latest gadgets and products? But
doesn’t that constitute intellectual property infringements?

*What are the limits of citizen journalism?*

I can say that citizen journalism is only limited by the interest of people in any given topic. If there’s no one interested about something, then no one will share information about it. No one will
care. I guess it’s the same with mainstream journalism.

*What problems do you usually encounter in relation to this activity? If there are any, why?*

Overeagerness and irresponsibility. Citizen journalism is like a weapon. It can keep society secure by keeping the bad guys at bay. But what if you shoot the good guy by mistake? Or what if you shoot
yourself?

As with blogging, tweeting, or any medium, these are powerful tools that should be used wisely and responsibly.