Citizens News: The Rise of Everyday Reporters

Citizen journalism is a movement where non-professional journalists share news and information through various digital platforms. This practice has grown significantly, especially in disaster zones and countries with restricted media. Citizens use social media, blogs, and websites to report on local and global issues, often providing real-time updates and unique perspectives. Despite concerns about reliability, citizen journalism has become a powerful tool for raising awareness and mobilizing social change.

Citizen journalism is a phenomenon where ordinary people take on the role of reporters, sharing news and information through various digital platforms. This movement has been gaining momentum worldwide, particularly in areas where traditional media is limited or controlled by the government.
The Birth of Citizen Journalism
The term “citizen journalism” was first coined in South Korea in 2000 by Oh Yeon-ho, who founded the online newspaper OhmyNews. This initiative began with 727 citizen reporters and grew to 50,000 contributors from 100 countries by 20071. The Internet has since spawned thousands of news sites and millions of bloggers, allowing anyone to become a publisher.

Role in Global Events
Citizen journalism has played a significant role in 21st-century political events. During the Iranian presidential election protests in 2009, Twitter became an emerging outlet for disseminating information, showing the potential of non-traditional media to circumvent government censorship1. In Egypt, activists used Facebook to organize protests against President Hosnī Mubārak during the 2011 uprising.

Impact in Local Issues
In Bangladesh, Facebook-based citizen journalists have been instrumental in raising national issues. For example, a YouTuber’s expensive car purchase sparked a public debate about his parents’ outstanding bank loan, leading to significant changes in government positions and bank accounts2. This approach ensures that local issues remain in the news cycle for an extended period, receiving the attention they deserve.

Challenges and Concerns
While citizen journalism offers many benefits, it also faces challenges. The reliability of information is a major concern, as anyone can publish content without professional verification. Additionally, citizen journalists often face harassment and censorship, as seen in the case of Abdullah in Bangladesh who had his Facebook account suspended multiple times2.

1. What is citizen journalism?
   Citizen journalism is the practice of individuals without formal training in journalism stepping into the role of reporters, using digital platforms to disseminate information.
2. Where did the term “citizen journalism” originate?
   The term originated in South Korea in 2000, coined by Oh Yeon-ho.

3. How has citizen journalism evolved?
   It has evolved from a small initiative in South Korea to a global phenomenon with thousands of news sites and millions of bloggers.

4. What role has social media played in citizen journalism?
   Social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube have been crucial in disseminating information and mobilizing social change.

5. What are some notable examples of citizen journalism in action?
   Notable examples include the Iranian presidential election protests, Egyptian uprising, and recent issues in Bangladesh.

6. What are the challenges faced by citizen journalists?
   Challenges include concerns over reliability, harassment, censorship, and the need for professional verification.

7. How has traditional media responded to citizen journalism?
   Traditional media has responded by launching their own web sites and blogs, and inviting readers to contribute community news.

8. What is the impact of citizen journalism on local issues?
   It ensures that local issues remain in the news cycle for an extended period, receiving the attention they deserve.

9. Can anyone become a citizen journalist?
   Yes, anyone can become a citizen journalist with access to digital platforms and a willingness to report on issues.

10. What motivates people to engage in citizen journalism?
    Motivations include a desire to fill gaps in traditional media coverage, raise awareness about important issues, and hold institutions accountable.

Citizen journalism has revolutionized the way we consume and create news. By empowering ordinary people to become reporters, it has democratized access to information and provided unique perspectives on global and local issues. While it faces challenges, its impact on mobilizing social change and raising awareness cannot be overstated.