Most of the news reporting many people receive is from mainstream news outlets like the ABC or commercial TV channels. However, these forms of media often compete to cover the same breaking news stories from that day. This can often lead to the lack of diversity in the news being put forth and limit the coverage of issues on the margin. This is one important area where citizen journalism can make a big difference, and some big news stories can emerge and get the sort of coverage that makes you forget these were marginal issues in the first place. Think “Black Lives Matter” or “MeToo”.
But in countries that don’t have the kind of free and diverse range of media that we enjoy, the impact of citizen journalism in shining a light on the marginalised can be even more important. In Malaysia for example, the mainstream media is tightly controlled by political parties (particularly the ruling coalition) or individuals aligned to political interests. This control includes media laws that limit the freedom for mainstream journalists and leads to biased reporting where political issues are concerned.
In response Malaysia has seen a real emergence of new media, including citizen journalism, in part because the media laws have been developed for traditional media and don’t work as well to control digital media. Another important factor is the age of the population, with half the population under 30 years old. Citizen journalists have emerged as an important voice for local issues, marginalised communities and diversity of political opinion. Citizen journalism platforms have also emerged, with contributors from a diverse range of cultural and social backgrounds. These new media channels have allowed reporting on issues of importance that wouldn’t get coverage in the main media channels, including culture, community health and art. They also provide a platform for political opposition voices to be heard.
In a country like Malaysia with tight political control on mainstream media, citizen journalism is an important means for local and disempowered populations to be heard and can make a real difference to the people in these countries. The appeal of new media to younger audiences can also be an important factor in the role of citizen journalism, not only for the journalists but also the audiences who may find that access to news via diverse digital sources, can enhance their understanding of an issue. Naturally, the concern with this type of journalism is that the information may not be as accurate, balanced or trustworthy. But in context of the known bias of the mainstream media these concerns are more than outweighed by the benefits to the diversity of media coverage and the opportunities for communities and ethnic minorities.
Balaraman, Rani & Hashim, Nor & Hasno, Hedhir & Ibrahim, Faridah & Arokiasamy, Lawrence. (2015). New Media: Online Citizen Journalism and Political Issues in Malaysia. Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences (Pertanika). 23.
Irene. (2017, October 1).
Citizen journalism brings diversity to media in Malaysia. Retrieved from Decoding Digital Activism: https://wpmu.mah.se/nmict172group6/2017/10/01/citizen-journalism-brings-diversity-to-media-in-malaysia/
Comments