What is the Future?

Within the Future of Journalism website is an article titled 'What is Old is New'by Jonathan Este, an examination of the media 140 conference which took place after the Future of Journalism Summit. The picture Este paints is that of two very seperate worlds within the conference, that of the journalists and those belonging to the new media movement. Yet while there was approximately 50/50 representing and speaking from each area, he states that journalists "seemed like something of a curiosity - put up on the stage for the amusement and at times ridicule of the people in the auditorium."

While journalists are working to accommodate these changes, there is still difficulty in adapting to these due to the way in which journalists are trained, and on the other side of this those involved in the new media have assumptions of what journalists do, as Este states "there's a smug assumption on the part of many new media people that journalists sit around in newsrooms making things up, writing obviously slanted stories, suppressing information and generally being corporate beasts."

He notes that there were not enough presenters there that had managed to work on the line between traditional journalism and the new media. Is it possible to really work in the middle, or will there always be a sway in one direction or the other? Even when journalists take on blogs or other styles of new media to present their stories, do they view it in a different light than other media that is presented?

Media140 is a website that is concerned with the future of social technologies.Within it is a series of blogs concerned with the ways in which journalism will be affected by the rise of social media within new media technologies and approaches. One of these blogs that provided an insight into how the journalists have been impacted by new media is Modern Journalists Toolkit to Cover Live Events, in which Neerav Bhatt has outlined what a modern journalist must actually have as a part of their toolkit to ensure that they are able to meet modern demands.


This shows that perhaps journalists now longer have a choice as to whether they will embrace new media, that it is essential.

The Future of communication

This video seeks to examine where the future of the media will go, and offers up some of its own suggestions as to where we are headed over the next 50 years. It is interesting to watch and think about the theories that it raises on the future, as many of these are possible and will have a great impact on changing our world.

We all know that the media revolution with the introduction of the Internet has drastically altered the way in which we consume media, but when it supersedes everything, what then will change and become of the Internet?

An interesting point that was raised that shows how we as consumers have changed now is shown as they state "a new figure emerges...the prosumer. A producer and consumer of information. Anyone can be a prosumer."

As you watch the video, think about what the future will hold for media, the Internet and us as consumers, or as they state 'prosumers'.

Behind the Citizen Journalism Revolution

This video post on Citizen Journalism from the creators of the Digital Journal outlines the nature of citizen journalism, the way in which it can be utilised and the ways in which it has progressed. As they are themselves part of the citizen journalism movement, they see that it is an incredibly valuable incorporation into modern journalism, stating that it provides "rare and exciting glimpses into the world around us."

They raise the positive points that it allows the use of multiple perspectives and the creation of greater connections between the media, journalists and citizens, both those who seek to contribute and those who simply consume.

An important quote to the entire field of citizen journalism that they incorporate into their video is from Richard Sambrook, Director of BBC's Global News Division, as he states that citizen journalism is:

" ...fundamentally changing our relations with the audience, how they use new digital tools and what they expect from us... We must also help those who receive our news to contribute to our services as we witness fundamental realignment of the relationship between broadcaster and the public."

The realignment of relationships can be seen as one of the greatest aspects of citizen journalism, as it will greatly impact upon consumption of the media as well depending upon whether it is embraced or kept away from the traditional journalism.

Yet as they raise more and more points on the positive examples of citizen journalism and the many examples of how it has been utilised, it becomes clear how much of an impact citizen journalism is having upon our world of media. It has become an inescapable force.

The public in journalism

Welcome to my blog for CMNS3420. This week follows my thoughts on the readings and the concepts of public journalism and citizen journalists.


The role of citizen journalism is duplicitous within journalism, as it raises the question of whether it will help make professional journalism, or break it. James Farmer from The Age has taken a stance against citizen journalism, as explored in his blog "Citizen Journalism Sucks". He notes that "journalism is a profession and journalism provides for the quality and breadth of content that keeps an enormous number of readers coming back for more. Sites that are based around 'citizzen reporting' are unlikely to ever have appeal outside of the uber niche areas. Citizen experts? Yes, and we have publications to cater to them. But, citizen journalists? No."

 While he says it is an 'impossible dream' that should be shaken off as soon as possible, since publishing this post in 2006, citizen journalism has continued to grow. Along with technologies ever changing landcsape, citizen journalism has been able to use these advancements in order to further control their messages and reach audiences in a wider variety of ways.

Personally, as someone who is studying PR I have become slightly cynical about much of the news I receive due to the knowledge that much of this is carefully crafted by a PR person. Yet even with this viewpoint I still hold in high regard professional journalism as a valuable and reliable news source. While citizen journalism is on the rise, I would not turn to it for my news, I more see it as an activity that allows citizens to become more involved in the news they receive, to allow for other voices to be heard, and also in some cases it will inform professional journalists. It will continue to rise, but will not overtake. 

The concept public journalism seems to be valuable, especially when accompanied with the growing technology and availability of resources for citizen journalists to be utilising. This way, public journalism shows that everything does not have to be kept separate, that publics need not rely on citizen  journalists to ensure that their needs are met or their voices are heard, it shows that the two are able to coexist as well as professional journalists are able to meet their needs. This concept is one that becomes particularly relevant when audiences may realise that what they are being fed by some news channels may not be in their best interests, is rather set to serve those behind the scenes. Public journalism offers the chance to eliminate some of the alienation that some of the publics may feel when it comes to the news they are presented.

The concept of citizen journalism and incorporating this into what would be considered traditional journalism,  highlights the complexities within news that may not initially be realised by a person who simply consumes what is presented by mainstream media without questioning it. It also highlights the ways in which the media is adapting to increasing technology and the way their audiences use it.