We the Media Ch. 6
Nov 11th, 2008 by etannura
“Professional Journalists Join the Conversation” is the topic of chapter 6 in the We the Media text. The chapter focuses on how new forms of technology have drastically changed the media and have also made it possible for anyone to be a journalist. With this said, there is some really bad journalism out there on the internet but the internet is also an extremely useful tool that can be used to better the world. The internet makes it possible for all writers to join in and voice their opinions to others. This has made it so that individuals are really the ones with most of the power and have left all the other “officials” feeling threatened.
Specifically blogs are changing the ways in which we think and also making us question what types of sources are really reputable. Most people would assume that information which can be tampered with by anyone can’t be correct. I think with things such a wikipedia, we are all learning that sources run by everyone can also be truthful and great sources of information.
The web also makes it possible for news sources and others to point out other sources which may have written something that could be helpful to a person learning of the same topic. Linking is used to make stories and the web even more interactive and is really the most beneficial for the audience.
Because the web has drastically changed the journalism world, it is so extremely important that students learn about blogs, twitter, and many other forms of technology that are now used in the real world. Without the simple knowledge and understanding of the basics, it will be very hard for undergraduates to enter the workforce. This course in itself has taught me a lot about how journalism is changing. The importance of being able to blog, twitter, shoot and cut video will give you the competitive edge that you need in the workforce.