“Citizen journalism gives opportunity to all”

Citizen journalism can play a vital role by empowering the poor and the marginalised, argues Achuth Menon, 20, a Correspondent from India. It can raise issues that are ignored by the mainstream media, and become a force for social change.  

Citizen journalism in India is an outcome of modern technology. 

It plays a vital role in empowering people, especially the poor and impoverished, to raise problems and issues which hitherto suffered government neglect and indifference. 

It is at its nascent stage, yet is gradually developing as an alternative to the conglomerates in print and electronic media, which work under pressure to cut costs and show higher incomes and ratings to satisfy investors. 

In such a situation the interests of the common man have no place. Be that as it may, issues at the grass roots do not get the requisite attention from the mainstream media. At this juncture independent freelance journalists and RTI activists come to play an important role to bridge the yawning gap. 

Citizen journalism now finds a small and insignificant slot among television channels, wherein citizens are given an opportunity to focus on local issues, problems and grievances confronting the local populace. But it is not an alternative to traditional journalism, whose advocates ridicule citizen journalism as lacking in quality and professional reporting. 

Whatever may be the case, citizen journalism has given an opportunity to the common man. Those living in poor sections of society – in far-flung isolated tribal areas and regions with low rates of literacy – can use smart phones and computers to gain access and connectivity to powers that be about issues that would not have captured the attention of mainstream media. 

Local issues like the shutting down of schools, depriving children of education and nutrition, have been highlighted through citizen journalism. The issues of inadequate socio-economic development, neglect by the government, and economic exploitation have all garnered attention through this medium of journalism. The anti-corruption movement of Anna Hazare and the black money issue raised by Baba Ramdev are all telling reminders of the power of citizen journalism. 

The casual attitude of taking things easy has been given a go-by, and youth today needs a revolutionary change. Social problems, severe poverty, malnutrition, women subject to domestic violence and rape, harassment of the girl child and other manifold issues have been compellingly projected and raised through citizen journalism, which is attaining recognition as a powerful force in the nation today.

photo credit: TTC Press Images via photopin cc

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About me:
I am a graduate in commerce from the University of Calicut, with a diploma in journalism. At present I am a reporter for Associated News of India based at Palakkad, which serves print, electronic, and web-based media in different parts of the country.

I have inherent passion, dedication and enthusiasm. My motivation as a journalist is to give coverage of the oppressed and suppressed that will bring their challenges and issues to the attention of people at the helm of affairs.

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Opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the Commonwealth Youth Programme. Articles are published in a spirit of dialogue, respect and understanding. If you disagree, why not submit a response?

To learn more about becoming a Commonwealth Correspondent please visit: http://www.yourcommonwealth.org/submit-articles/commonwealthcorrespondents/

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