Ecology & Democracy: Citizen Journalism in the Digital Age

The question is asked, "What is journalism for?"

Journalism is for Democracy

The article, Ecology & Democracy: Citizen Journalism in the Digital Age by Dr. Christine Tracy furthermore explores the evolving changes in the world of journalism. Journalism is far too often confused with the realm of "news" and the conglomerate of the large corporations. "There is a widespread demand for less pro forma political representation, whether by the press or elected officials, and for more participation." This statement pertains to the political agenda, yet I strongly feel it is a larger voice for society's demands of journalism.

The article further states: "The central purpose of journalism is to provide citizens with accurate and reliable information they need to function in a free society. This encompasses myriad roles-helping define community, creating common language and common knowledge, identifying a community's goals, heroes and villains, and pushing people beyond complacency.....offering a voice to the voiceless."

As a citizen journalist, there is the ability to report "news" not through the newspaper, not through the broadcast stations, not even through the radio, but rather through the keystroke click of posting on blogs, web forums and social media outlets. The ability to "voice" opinions, thoughts and the TRUE facts gives the meaning back to a democratic nation. No longer are we bound to wait for another person to tell us the news, to filter what we should know and to voice our opinions for us. As a citizen journalist, we hold the key to our own freedom to report.

Another key point in the article is stated: "Unlike traditional reporting, which is highly competitive and focused on scooping the competition, open-source reporting embraces a collaborative model: a community of readers with access to multiple resources working together to report news in a highly transparent and flexible environment. In a typical open-source practice, reporters inform readers of a topic under investigation and then ask readers to contribute leads, sources, tips and ideas-to actually join in the real reporting."

Inviting the community to partake in researching, investigating and contributing to the story utilizes the advantages of "objectivity". Sure there will those who will incorporate their opinions, thoughts and slant, but there are so many more doors to open with including citizens. As much as we would like to believe that we are SuperMan (Woman), we cannot do it all on our own....we MUST utilize, incorporate, encourage the resources that others have to offer.