By Ashok Kumar
Anyone with a phone and an internet connection can now report news. This article looks at why citizen journalism matters today, what responsibilities come with it, and how ordinary people can practise it with care.
Why telling the story matters
Indian tradition gives us an early picture of the messenger: Narad Muni, who carries news and wisdom between the gods. Bharat Muni, often called the father of Indian theatre, stressed rasa and bhava, the idea that a good performance lets the audience feel and imagine the situation for themselves. Both remind us that expressing yourself clearly is a skill in its own right, and reporting is one form of it.
From the printing press to the smartphone
Gutenberg's printing press in the 15th century made newspapers possible and raised the amount of information ordinary readers consumed. Today the internet has multiplied that again. The difficulty is that much of what circulates is unchecked, and almost anyone can describe themselves as a journalist. Courts and readers may question whether such a person can be trusted.
Serious citizen journalists therefore have to earn their reputation. They report local events, and they can be the link between people and information when professional reporters are absent.
Guidelines for responsible reporting
Good intentions are not enough. Some simple norms help:
- Report with sensitivity, especially on national security, serious accidents and political disputes.
- Do not create false hype or panic.
- Do not act as a judge. Present the facts as humbly and truthfully as you can.
- Check what you share before you post it.
Examples from India
The author points to the protests around Shaheen Bagh and Jawaharlal Nehru University as moments when citizen reporting found a place. When major media houses cannot reach certain regions, local people can pass on news that would otherwise go unreported. He mentions a citizen journalist in Leh writing about the Indo-China border tension, and a resident of Lucknow who reported on oxygen cylinder supply during COVID-19. Each faced difficulties of their own.
Examples from abroad
On the global stage, the author cites the Black Lives Matter movement in the USA and the protests in Hong Kong, where footage shared by citizens reached audiences around the world. He also refers to live images of the Israel-Palestine conflict on social networks. These are his observations; readers who want details on any of these events should check recent reports from reliable news organisations.
Starting small
An aspiring citizen journalist can begin with a local issue. Clear reporting, careful analysis, good presentation and persistence can inspire people to take part in a cause, and quick feedback from the community shows whether the work is landing. The author also suggests that the Ministry of Education could add a chapter on this at school level to encourage healthy activism among young people.
Related reading
For practical advice, see Citizen journalism: how to tell a verified story.
