Define Traditional Journalist As Well As Citizen Journalist

Define Traditional Journalist As Well As Citizen Journalist What

Define "traditional journalist" as well as "citizen journalist." What are their characteristics, roles, and responsibilities within the larger newsgathering community? Do you believe they are held to the same standards in terms of newsgathering techniques and credibility? How has citizen journalism changed the news industry over the last decade? In what ways, if any, do citizen journalists challenge the mainstream news media? How is citizen journalist similar to or different from traditional print journalists in terms of their connections with a democratic society?

Paper For Above instruction

The distinctions between traditional journalists and citizen journalists are foundational to understanding contemporary media landscapes. Traditional journalists are trained professionals who operate within established news organizations, following specific ethical standards, journalistic practices, and editorial oversight. Their roles encompass investigating, verifying, and reporting news to the public, often adhering to principles such as objectivity, accuracy, and fairness (Kovach & Rosenstiel, 2014). They are held accountable through professional codes of conduct, institutional review, and legal standards. Their responsibilities include maintaining journalistic integrity, minimizing biases, and providing well-sourced, balanced coverage (Carlson, 2015).

In contrast, citizen journalists are laypersons who gather, report, and disseminate news using digital platforms, social media, smartphones, and other accessible technologies. Their characteristics include immediacy, accessibility, and a personal connection to specific communities or events they witness or experience firsthand (Howard et al., 2011). Unlike traditional journalists, citizen journalists often lack formal training and may operate outside institutional editorial processes. Their roles include highlighting issues that might be overlooked by mainstream media, providing eyewitness accounts, and fostering community engagement (Hampton et al., 2014). While their responsibilities are largely self-directed, they contribute significantly to the spread of information in the digital age.

Regarding journalistic standards and credibility, there remains a debate over whether both groups are held to equivalent standards. Traditional journalists are generally expected to adhere to strict ethical codes, employ rigorous verification processes, and maintain journalistic objectivity. Conversely, citizen journalists, despite their valuable contributions, face challenges in credibility due to the lack of formal training and potential biases. However, advances in digital verification tools and collaborative fact-checking initiatives have begun to bridge this gap, with some citizen-generated content undergoing rigorous validation before dissemination (Adeyemi, 2017).

Over the past decade, citizen journalism has profoundly transformed the news industry. The proliferation of smartphones and social media platforms has enabled ordinary citizens to document and share news instantaneously, sometimes breaking news faster than traditional outlets (Hermida, 2010). This democratization of news-gathering has increased the diversity of voices and perspectives, challenging the dominance of mainstream media narratives (Bail, 2014). Citizen journalism has also empowered marginalized communities to voice their issues, hold authorities accountable, and participate actively in civic discourse.

However, citizen journalism also presents challenges to the mainstream media. The spread of unverified or false information can undermine public trust, exacerbate misinformation, and influence political processes adversely (Lazer et al., 2018). The lack of professional editorial oversight raises concerns about accuracy, bias, and ethical standards. Nonetheless, mainstream news organizations have increasingly integrated citizen-generated content into their reporting, utilizing it to supplement traditional reporting and enhance coverage during breaking news events (Kaplan & Nieborg, 2017).

In terms of their connection to democratic society, both traditional and citizen journalists play vital roles in promoting transparency, accountability, and public participation. Traditional journalism often acts as a watchdog, providing critically evaluated information that informs citizens' decision-making processes (McChesney & Nichols, 2010). Citizen journalism, on the other hand, fosters participatory democracy by enabling ordinary individuals to contribute to the public sphere, directly influencing social and political debates (Benkler, Faris, & Roberts, 2018).

Despite these similarities, fundamental differences remain. Traditional journalism maintains a distance from its audience through professional boundaries, which helps ensure neutrality and reliability. Citizen journalism tends to be more intimate and emotionally driven, which can enhance community engagement but also lead to biased or unverified content. Both forms are essential to the health of democratic societies, offering complementary strengths: institutional expertise and ethical standards from traditional journalism, combined with immediacy and grassroots perspectives from citizen journalism.

In conclusion, traditional and citizen journalism serve distinct yet interconnected roles within the larger media ecosystem. While traditional journalism emphasizes accuracy, ethics, and professionalism, citizen journalism democratizes the flow of information, amplifies marginalized voices, and accelerates news dissemination. Recognizing their respective contributions and challenges is crucial for fostering a media environment that upholds democratic values and promotes an informed citizenry.

References

  • Adeyemi, A. (2017). The role of citizen journalism in promoting transparency and accountability in Nigeria. African Journal of Information and Communication, 21, 1-15.
  • Bail, C. A. (2014). The iterability of hope: The political significance of sharing and sharing alike. Social Media + Society, 1(2), 1-12.
  • Benkler, Y., Faris, R., & Roberts, H. (2018). Network Propaganda: Manipulation, Disinformation, and Radicalization in American Politics. Oxford University Press.
  • Hamptons, W., et al. (2014). Social media and citizen journalism: Capacity, participation and activism. Journal of Digital Culture & Society, 10(4), 273-290.
  • Howard, A., et al. (2011). The role of social media in shaping political engagement. New Media & Society, 13(6), 899-917.
  • Kaplan, A. M., & Nieborg, D. B. (2017). The changing landscape of news reporting. Journal of Media Innovations, 4(2), 45-62.
  • Kovach, B., & Rosenstiel, T. (2014). The Elements of Journalism: What Newspeople Should Know and the Public Should Expect. Three Rivers Press.
  • Lazer, D. M. J., et al. (2018). The science of fake news. Science, 359(6380), 1094-1096.
  • McChesney, R. W., & Nichols, J. (2010). The Death and Life of American Journalism. The New Press.
  • Hampton, K., et al. (2014). Social media and civic engagement: A literature review. Journal of Communication, 64(4), 602-620.

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