Citizen journalism is a relatively new term but it’s already died a death in the UK. It just doesn’t ring true we know how to do it without training or a proper education. It doesn’t follow in the line of casual arts. The truth is hard to grasp, and even harder to get out there.
It’s a lifestyle experienced by the religious, and increasingly politicians. The point is also proved in journalism itself where facts go nowhere. The practice of typing out a response or tapping out an ‘original’ story is the privilege of those released to do it.
It’s a practice that’s got to be professional. In the UK we don’t value this often enough. In fact, festering WhatsApp groups and pulp-ridden Facebook pages pollute our screens as we search or scroll for something better. We don’t need the junk anymore.
A newer way
The innovations are happening at a pace but it’s rarely noticed. The changes in our landscape are huge and have not caused an earthquake in public opinion. They should because we’ve moved on hugely since the past, when news was fact and not a truth.
There are able pundits attempting to navigate the broken courses of Parliament or break the solid ice of Whitehall. They do a good job and people know more. Yet more know less because they opt for unofficial views of rumour mongers and amateur jingoists.
The general feeling is we haven’t turned a corner in the 21st century because we’ve failed to take our eyes off the past. It’s bleak back there, and irrelevant. There’s so much that’s new – and exciting – today there’s no point in re-reading old lines and repeating old statements.
Realities
The MP’s making waves are different people. They have different backgrounds, and stories. They come from the same places but a lot’s happened since. They’re as familiar as you and I, but a changing landscape demands moving on.
The news journalism culture we’ve got hasn’t necessarily all moved at the same pace. The newer outlets are juggernauts. They appeal distinctively and repeat stories that matter. Their views don’t always hold water but they make amends where told to.
It’s a new media for a new generation. It anchors what we say to each other in private with a dose of reality. It’s not all there is to say but it’s a start and, of course, we’re able to finish off the conversation. There’s no shortage of opinions at home, or elsewhere.