Untitled Document

The phrase ‘Citizen Journalism’ was the most used, and abused, by the conventional media, in 2007. To most media stalwarts it was a word that was synonymous with news source.

Let’s pause and ponder. Is this interpretation of ‘Citizen Journalism’ justified, immaculate or a sensible inference of people’s opinion? Or is this inference a reflection of some deep-rooted insecurity? It might sound overtly critical if the traditional media extends its implied sense – but let’s not dissect to kill.

It is essential to convey the deeper connotation of Citizen Journalism, in the larger interest of the democratic values, propounded by the Founding Fathers of Indian democracy.

Journalism is breaking free from the fetters of newsroom control of news and views. Now, common people are actively participating in the news-views process. Painful though it may be, news is no longer a Holy Cow, revered and within reaches of a select few. No wonder, Citizen Journalism is aptly called Grassroots Journalism.

A new force – of aware citizens – is emerging. They have a more pro-active role to play. The tasks, assigned traditionally, are being recast. ‘Consumers’ of news now have a say in its ‘production’ process. The new newsroom is far more democratic. The role of the Fourth Estate is being redefined.

It’s only proper that the Fourth Estate – a strong pillar of any democracy – is being empowered. The New – or the Now Media should no longer be indifferent to public opinion or for that matter to close scrutiny by the people.

Technological evolution has helped us transcend the barriers of communication. Our reach, sweep and depth are authenticated by people’s participation. If each and every vote matters, so does every single voice.

It may be interesting to note that merinews.com finds mention across seven seas. A media planner Rachel Sterne (please see p 160) writes, “I think in 2008 sites like ‘merinews’ will grow as citizen journalism moves into the fields of opinion and comment as opposed to reporting…. We have to remember that Citizen Journalism is not just reporting quicker than AP it’s often about sharing different opinions that have been flooded out by mainstream media.”

Vipul Kant Upadhyay
Editor-in-Chief




	Message from Editor in chief
	The phrase ‘Citizen Journalism’ was the most used, and abused, by the conventional media, in 2007. To most media stalwarts it was a word that was synonymous with news source. Let’s pause and ponder. Is this interpretation of ‘Citizen Journalism’ justified, immaculate or a sensible inference of people’s opinion? Or is this inference a reflection of some deep-rooted insecurity? It might sound overtly critical if the traditional media extends its implied sense – but let’s not dissect to kill. It is essential to convey the deeper connotation of Citizen Journalism, in the larger interest of the democratic values, propounded by the Founding Fathers of Indian democracy. Journalism is breaking free from the fetters of newsroom control of news and views. Now, common people are actively participating in the news-views process. Painful though it may be, news is no longer a Holy Cow, revered and within reaches of a select few. No wonder, Citizen Journalism is aptly called Grassroots Journalism. A new force – of aware citizens – is emerging. They have a more pro-active role to play. The tasks, assigned traditionally, are being recast. ‘Consumers’ of news now have a say in its ‘production’ process. The new newsroom is far more democratic. The role of the Fourth Estate is being redefined. It’s only proper that the Fourth Estate – a strong pillar of any democracy – is being empowered. The New – or the Now Media should no longer be indifferent to public opinion or for that matter to close scrutiny by the people. Technological evolution has helped us transcend the barriers of communication. Our reach, sweep and depth are authenticated by people’s participation. If each and every vote matters, so does every single voice. It may be interesting to note that merinews.com finds mention across seven seas. A media planner Rachel Sterne (please see p 160) writes, “I think in 2008 sites like ‘merinews’ will grow as citizen journalism moves into the fields of opinion and comment as opposed to reporting…. We have to remember that Citizen Journalism is not just reporting quicker than AP it’s often about sharing different opinions that have been flooded out by mainstream media.” Vipul Kant Upadhyay Editor-in-Chief