Citizen Journalism
Microblogging tools, cameras and video devices are now being used in a lot of development interventions. Cameras are often much better for reporting and news capture than using text based tools and reports. Video is attractive to everyone.
We are nearing a time when most people can be empowered with the ability to document their own lives and issues that affect them - this changes everything. Of course this all ties in with the other aspects we cover here: web 2.0, mobile phones, open source and good ICT management.
The are 5 often quoted types of citizen journalism that are often quoted and these are : -
- Audience participation on existing topics - user comments, forums, submitted articles and pictures/videos
- Independent news and information Websites such as consumer reports where the citizen is often the instigator
- Blogs
- Collaborative and contributory media sites
- Personal broadcasting sites like blog talk radio
If a society, or community, has an active citizen journalism element then this should have a positive impact on human rights and empowerment issues. Unfortunately, many countries seek to limit what bloggers are allowed to write about or what internet users are allowed to see.