Citizen journalism is spelled as /sɪtɪzn ˈdʒɜːrnəlɪz(ə)m/. The first syllable "citizen" is pronounced as /ˈsɪtɪzn/ with the stress on the first syllable. The second syllable "journalism" is pronounced as /ˈdʒɜːrnəlɪz(ə)m/ with the stress on the second syllable. The word refers to the idea of non-professional individuals contributing news content through various social media platforms or blogs. This aspect of journalism has increased rapidly in recent years due to the widespread use of the internet and social media.
Citizen journalism refers to a form of journalism where individuals who are not professional journalists or media employees engage in the collection, analysis, and distribution of news and information. Also known as participatory journalism or public journalism, it has emerged in the digital age as a result of advancements in technology, particularly the internet and social media platforms.
Citizen journalism allows ordinary citizens to act as active contributors to the news landscape by reporting on events, sharing opinions, and documenting occurrences in their communities. Through the use of smartphones, digital cameras, and online platforms, these individuals are able to bypass traditional media channels and communicate directly with the public.
While some advocate for citizen journalism as a means to democratize the news industry and include diverse perspectives, others raise concerns about its lack of standard editorial processes and potential for misinformation. Due to the absence of rigorous fact-checking and verification, citizen journalism can be prone to inaccuracies and biases.
However, the immediacy and widespread reach of citizen journalism have proven valuable in capturing breaking news events and providing firsthand accounts of various incidents, including protests, disasters, and other important occurrences that might otherwise go unnoticed or be underreported. Additionally, it serves as a platform for marginalized voices and often covers niche or local topics that larger media organizations may overlook.
Overall, citizen journalism is a dynamic and evolving phenomenon that has reshaped the traditional media landscape, playing a significant role in the dissemination of news and information in today's interconnected world.
The term "citizen journalism" has its roots in the combination of two words: "citizen" and "journalism".
The word "citizen" is derived from the Latin word "civitas", which means "city" or "community". In its modern usage, "citizen" refers to an individual who is a member of a particular nation or state, possessing certain rights and responsibilities.
The term "journalism" comes from the French word "journal" meaning "daily" or "newspaper". It is related to the Latin word "diurnalis", which means "daily". Journalism refers to the practices and principles associated with the gathering, writing, editing, and reporting of news and information in various media formats.
The combination of "citizen" and "journalism" gives rise to "citizen journalism".