Citizen Journalism | Kester Oshioreame | TEDxPortHarcourt

Summary

Citizen journalism empowers ordinary individuals to report and disseminate news, challenging the control of traditional media. Defined by key figures in the 1960s and 1990s, it allows people to witness and share events firsthand. However, it comes with responsibility, demanding ethical standards, relevant content, and precision in language use. The speaker emphasizes the power of words, urging citizen journalists to be responsible and thorough. A fictional story about 'Citizen Peter' illustrates how media, even citizen-driven, can impact lives, reinforcing the need for careful and ethical journalism in the digital age.

Takeaways

• 😀 Citizen journalism originated from two individuals in 1964 and 1991 who independently captured live events and broadcasted them without being employed by mainstream media.
• 😀 Citizen journalism allows ordinary people to produce and disseminate information using mobile phones, data, and relevant content.
• 😀 One of the key principles of citizen journalism is providing a voice to the voiceless and challenging the manipulation of mainstream media narratives.
• 😀 Citizen journalism empowers individuals to retell their own stories and helps to counter the danger of a single narrative, as highlighted by Chimamanda Adichie.
• 😀 Ethical standards are crucial in citizen journalism, which includes providing content that is accurate, balanced, and clear.
• 😀 Content creation in citizen journalism must focus on relevance, addressing real problems, and targeting a specific audience or community.
• 😀 Words play a powerful role in citizen journalism, and should be used responsibly to avoid harm and spread misinformation.
• 😀 The ABCs of citizen journalism: *A* for accuracy, *B* for balance, and *C* for clarity, are essential for producing reliable information.
• 😀 Misinformation is a major issue in citizen journalism, and individuals must ensure their content is verified and well-researched before publishing.
• 😀 Citizen journalists must be cautious about using inflammatory or unverified language on social media, as it can lead to reputational damage and legal consequences.
• 😀 The story of 'Citizen Peter' illustrates the ethical responsibility of citizen journalists to avoid spreading false accusations and to ensure that their reports are fair and truthful.

Q & A

What is citizen journalism, and how did it originate?

Citizen journalism is a form of journalism where ordinary people, not professional journalists, create, report, and share news and information. It originated from two individuals in 1964 and 1991 who witnessed events firsthand and recorded them, transmitting the stories independently of mainstream media. These pioneers were never employed by mainstream media, signaling the beginning of a more democratized media space.

What is the primary difference between traditional journalism and citizen journalism?

Traditional journalism is usually carried out by professional reporters working for established media outlets, whereas citizen journalism allows anyone, with the right tools, such as a mobile phone and data access, to report and share news. It removes the need for formal employment by media organizations and empowers individuals to contribute directly to the media landscape.

How does citizen journalism help the voiceless?

Citizen journalism provides a platform for marginalized voices that may otherwise be ignored by traditional media. It allows individuals to share their stories, advocate for change, and highlight issues that may be underreported or misrepresented in mainstream outlets.

Why is the concept of 'killed stories' important in the context of citizen journalism?

In traditional media, some stories are deliberately withheld or 'killed' due to editorial biases or external pressures. Citizen journalism challenges this by enabling individuals to report and disseminate news without such constraints, offering a more transparent and alternative source of information.

What ethical considerations should citizen journalists keep in mind?

Citizen journalists should be aware of ethical standards, such as ensuring the accuracy of their reporting, avoiding sensationalism, and respecting privacy. The script emphasizes the need for responsibility in deploying words, as unverified or inflammatory content can damage reputations and contribute to misinformation.

What does the acronym 'CROC' stand for in the context of content creation?

The acronym 'CROC' represents the key principles for effective citizen journalism: C for content, R for relevance, O for clarity, and C for community. It highlights the importance of having engaging content, ensuring it solves a problem or is relevant to an audience, presenting it clearly, and targeting a specific community.

How does the speaker define 'content' in journalism?

Content is the core of journalism. It refers to the information, stories, or news being shared with an audience. The speaker stresses that without valuable and relevant content, there is no audience, and thus, no effective journalism. In citizen journalism, content must be interesting, informative, and purposeful.

What is the role of words in citizen journalism, according to the speaker?

Words are powerful tools in citizen journalism. They must be used responsibly and thoughtfully. The speaker defines words as key instruments that convey messages and shape perceptions. They should be deployed carefully, with an understanding of their impact on the audience and the reputation of individuals or organizations involved.

What does the speaker mean by 'ballistic words' and why should they be avoided?

Ballistic words are those used without regard for their impact, often with the intent to offend or harm. These words can be dangerous as they may provoke emotional reactions and damage relationships or reputations. The speaker advises citizen journalists to avoid using such words, as they contribute to unnecessary conflict and negativity.

What lesson does the story of citizen Peter and the pregnant widow illustrate?

The fictional story of citizen Peter and the widow highlights the potential dangers of unverified reporting in citizen journalism. Peter's hastily constructed narrative leads to legal battles, showing the importance of responsible reporting and investigation. It reinforces the message that citizen journalists must be cautious and well-informed before making accusations or public statements.