In today’s society, people are principally concerned about themselves. In the year 2007, the Times named “You” Person of the Year. This attitude has had a significant influence on the media. People want to know mainly about what affects them. The internet has catered to this mindset.
Amateurs are given a voice to broadcast information about themselves or others with the push of a button. Topics covered are unlimited and can be published for the world to see on blogging websites, twitter, or facebook. Some worry that this is taking away from professionals and the authority of experts.
I believe that amateurs are not necessarily taking away from professional journalism, but are actually serving to enhance it. As a result, network journalism needs to take place. The two groups must work together in a collaborative effort. The public can get involved in a story before it’s professionally reported and can continue to contribute after publication.
It is my opinion that amateurs or citizen journalist often focus on news that the mainstream media overlooks or covers briefly. In addition to what the governor or Brad Pit did yesterday, I am also interested in what my neighbor next door or my good friend accomplished. A person doesn’t have to do something extraordinary to be newsworthy; they just have to matter to “you”.
For more information or opinions on this topic please visit The New Yorker.
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