By Trisha Hom Roy
Journalism has always depended on its audience. Today, with phones and social media, that audience can also take part in reporting. This article looks at how citizen journalism grew and why it matters.
How journalism changed
Journalism now plays a large part in spreading information to the public. The growth of the IT sector and of broadcasting agencies around the world has made it a source of jobs and opportunities, and a way to send news from anywhere to anyone, at any time. The internet and social media gave it a new platform and new ways of working.
The audience as a driver of change
According to the author, the audience pushed the industry to keep evolving. Digital communication technologies, especially the internet, then made it possible for ordinary people to collect, report and share news themselves. This is citizen journalism. Instead of staying passive readers or viewers, individuals started to take an active part in informing the public.
Almost everyone can now create and share content through a mobile phone and social media. Those who were persistent, assertive and shared good-quality information became recognised as citizen journalists. Because digital technology is widely available, this form of journalism can reach people everywhere and has become part of the content that traditional media, public and commercial, also use.
Local voices, wider reach
Even though big media houses are often privately owned, ordinary people have long wanted to share their views, and online platforms now carry those views in many directions at once. Citizens can build a local presence and keep their communities informed. By following current trends and issues, they create their own channels for local information.
Why it matters today
The author concludes that citizen journalism now works alongside the large media houses. Citizen journalists provide information and also bring the perspective of an ordinary citizen. As with any source, readers should check claims against other reliable reports.
Related reading
For practical advice, see Citizen journalism: how to tell a verified story.
