Every day I hear that journalism is changing and that no one knows the future of journalism, but somehow people know that citizen journalists will ruin the journalism profession leaving college-taught journalists, like myself, without a job.
I doubt that any professionally-taught journalist will be holding this sign in the near future.How does anyone know this to be true if the profession is in such a state of flux as we speak?
I believe that Nelle Harper Lee said it best, "people are afraid of what they do not know."
With citizen journalism there are plenty of unknowns. While the words ‘citizen journalism' seem almost taboo to some there are others who think that this label is not accurate at all. Whatever it is called there is divided opinions on this matter.
Some people, companies and even newspapers support citizen journalism while others remain still skeptical.
I believe that it will be somewhat of a give-and-take situation. There will never be a substitute for college-taught journalists who are unbiased and equipped with the skills of a changing profession. The citizen journalist will serve a purpose in the future of journalism, but it will not include taking away our jobs in professional media outlets.
The keys to the kingdom of journalism will not be handed over to citizen journalists, but perhaps they will be issued temporary status. I believe the citizen journalist will be best served as one of our alums, Eric Sorrentino, put it, someone who contributes to breaking news. Often times they are there before professional journalists, so they can help in ways we are not able to help. Without the skills, desire and the paycheck we will receive for our efforts, most citizen journalists will do little to harm our way of life.
I liked Eric's post last semester. Glad you linked to it. Better essay this week, by the way.
You are very confident in the security of traditional journalism. I wonder though, how will journalists be paid in the future now that sites like craigslist are taking income from newspapers?