Skip to main content

Who is the Journo now?

The face of journalism as we know it is changing. News organisations and governments no longer get to decide what we know and what we don't. Who or what brought about this emancipation? Technology in the form of smart gadgets and social media with its unprecedented reach.

In fact we now live in an era where the power of independent journalism is giving established news organisations a run for their money. For one who was a reporter with such a media group, I say this is good news!

I don't know how it is done in other countries. But here in Malaysia, if we are dealing with - The private scandal of a politician from the ruling party, something that makes an opposition politician look good, racially tinged issues and epidemics to quote a few, there is usually a certain amount of filtering that is done before the news reaches the public.

It has been a few years since I left journalism, so I don't know to what extent things have changed. It must have, at least a little. There's more competition now - internet news sites, blogs and the Independent Journalist.........

The Rise of a New Phenomenon

This happened in America, but I think it's a sign of things to come. On Tuesday when police raided  New York's Zucoti Park, members of the media were denied access to the park in the pandemonium that followed. But the public were not denied updates and live coverage on what was happening. How so?

Tim Pool a 25 year old protester from Chicago switched on the camera of his Samsung Galaxy S II and began streaming live from Ustream (A website which provides a platform for lifecasting and live video streaming) to more than 100,000 viewers.

Inspired by his coverage, people brought him  batteries, food and water to support his reporting marathons.
Pool is a part of The Other 99, an independent media group that has been covering the Occupy Wall Street movement for several weeks now. One of the objectives of the group is to provide real time coverage of events on the ground.

The Other 99 has successfully used social networks to gain leverage as the main news source for the movement. Reports, photos and videos are posted everyday on http://www.wearetheother99.com/

Disenchantment

Pool and his compatriots say they aren't satisfied with American mainstream media coverage. Saying such news organisations are corrupted by the corporate world. In his updates, he often tells his audience that he's here to show what is really going on.

People like Pool are a rising phenomena, not just in America but everywhere. The face of journalism as we know it is changing. Imagine the possibilities - real time reporting of conflicts from citizens who are caught up in it. Not polished reports sent in by newswires or publications that are favourable to the countries/parties involved.

Comments

Nava K said…
I quite know that people do shun away from Main stream media for camouflaging news on politics but wonder why they are so open now with the Co owned by Sharizat's hubby and the reveal of buying the condo.
Small Kucing said…
live streaming is a trend nowadays. saw a guy live steaming the Bon Odori festival in Shah Alam a few months ago
Jothi said…
Trying to win over disenchanted readers I think. Btw like your new Google image pic.
Jothi said…
A trend that is picking up big time Kucing :)

Popular posts from this blog

"Seksualiti" Will Survive

The other day my mum who was reading news alerts on her mobile asked me, "Hei have you heard about this festival - ' Seksualiti Merdeka '......?" And I was like: "Seksualiti what....??" Then I promptly googled it and oh then I knew! My first reaction? I was mighty impressed that we actually have such a festival here and wondered how come I never knew about it before this. I'm sure a lot of you out there are hearing about Seksualiti Merdeka for the first time too. But imagine this guys, if the powers that be didn't go all frothy at the mouth and decide to ban it, would the majority of us even know about this annual sexuality rights festival that has been around since 2008? Now not only city folks know all about Seksualiti Merdeka, even those in Baling......where is that again? Are up in arms about this event which they fear will encourage more gayness in society......well people will always delude themselves silly if they want to. So what

Travel Tales: The grandeur of Russia

Visit iconic monuments and see treasures from the past in one of Europe’s oldest cities Night view of the famed St Basil's Cathedral. FOR all its great political and social upheavals which have given rise to many a good movie script, the largest country on earth has never quite popped up on glossy tourist brochures boasting a “bucket list” of must-see architectural wonders like the Eiffel Tower or the iconic Taj Mahal. Neither does it beckon with the promise of breathtaking natural scenery and beautiful landscapes. Before the invitation for this media familiarisation trip came along, my impression of Russia and Moscow in particular was of a city still dominated by grey Soviet-era apartment blocks and sombre locals. However, when I received the itinerary for the trip to Moscow and St Petersburg organised by Trafalgar, another version of Russia began to emerge, that of a country steeped in culture and art, with many well-preserved heritage buildings. B

Heritage trail: The beauty of St Petersburg

The Winter Palace. THE  city of St. Petersburg was founded by Peter the Great, who aspired to create a city that would rival the great cultural capitals of Europe. Built on the banks of the Neva river, St. Petersburg stretches across 42 islands with natural waterways and canals, giving it the title of the ‘Venice of the North’. It was the imperial capital of Russia for two centuries until the Communist revolution of 1917. To this day, it retains its status as the country’s cultural capital with its heritage buildings, grand palaces, cathedrals and museums. Exploring St. Petersburg Considering that I only had three days to explore the city after arriving by bullet train from Moscow, I was glad to find that the Park Inn Nevsky, my home for the next few nights, was located on Nevsky Prospekt, St. Petersburg’s main street. What you will find along this street are plenty of places to shop and eat, like the Eliseyev Emporium Coffee shop, the Gostiny Dvor shopping centre, loc