I have followed closely the CNN-IBN impact stories, stories of dairy workers getting their jobs back, stories of people exposing the scams in several universities such as Rai University, and stories of Mumbai guys imploring the nation to shut down lights for one hour in wake of Global warming. How many such initiatives have been taken and gone unnoticed, how many times people’s voices have been ignored in past.
The next big thing, Citizen Journalism makes me think the uses, abuses, and implications of this awakening. Among several things, I think the most important aspect of Citizen journalism is that we get first hand information that many organization and individuals may not reveal via individuals who act as citizen journalist. Also, the news are on the spot and authentic for example a person in Lucknow recorded in his cell phone a burning car left unattended on road for several hours. Essentially, I think this is a new platform for people to connect with people via media such as CNN-IBN, via website such MeriNews.com. Amazing and perhaps, revolutionary. A perfect setting for a democratic and egalitarian society.
However, as every change will find face there are divergent views on the subject. I have read media and individuals questioning the authenticity and the intention of the news. The ability to make an impact on such large scale, close to a billion people, can sometimes lead to vested interests. Granted such accusations cannot be neglected, consider for example large scale sedition in Singapore on blogs. While a journalists are professionals and know how to prepare and present an incident in a sensitive society, citizen journalists and bloggers are amateurs. However, I believe this is where the Media and Website have to be integral and clear for the purpose they represent.
Another argument against this movement is that the quality is getting diluted and people represent individual opinions, I ask can we trust each and every journalist to the core for the reports that they present. Is it always true and can we take each news a writing on the wall ? There were reports of a news channel making superficial scams on a school teacher of late !! Given that the big guns, the successful media professionals who have made an impact in this industry such as Mr. Karan Thapar, Mr. Rajdeep Sardesai are here to stay but the future truly belongs to us, citizen journalists. The new breed of citizen journalists has brought many more ideas, area that may be overlooked by press and reporters are brought on surface. People are becoming more aware and ready to contribute to their surroundings.
I think it is important to capitalize on this enthusiasm and a proper channeling of the growing awareness has to be done and keep the spirit going. I plan to join soon and conrtibute my 2 cents errrr 2 Ruppes !!
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