International Association Of Independent Journalists Inc.

[IAIJ]

CITIZEN JOURNALISM IN INDIA


By Krishna Mohan


Citizen Journalism in India is an outcome of modern technology playing a vital role in empowering people especially the poor and impoverished lot in raising their problems and issues which hitherto suffered government neglect and indifference. It is at its nascent stage and is gradually developing as an alternative to the media conglomerates in print and electronic media which work under pressure to cut costs and as well to show higher incomes and ratings to satisfy the investors. In such a situation the interests of the common man has no place in this dispensation. Be that as it may, issues at the grass roots do not get the requisite attention from the main stream media. At this juncture independent free lance journalists, RTI activists come to play an important role to bridge the yawning gap.

Citizen Journalism right now finds a small and insignificant slot in television channels where in citizens are given an opportunity to focus on local issuer’s problems and grievances confronting the local populace but is not an alternative to traditional journalism whose advocates ridicule citizen journalism as lacking in quality and professional reporting. Whatever may be the cause it has given an opportunity to the common man and poor sections of society in the far flung isolated tribal and low literate regions to utilize the smart phones and computers to gain access and connectivity to powers that be which would not have got the attention of the main stream media. Local issues like shut down of schools, depriving the children of education and nutrition have been highlighted through citizen journalism besides focus on lack of socioeconomic development and neglect by government and economic exploitation has garnered attention through this medium of journalism.

The anti-corruption movement of Anna Hazare and black money issue raised by Baba Ramdev are all telling reminders of the power of citizen journalism. The casual attitude of taking things easy has been given a go by and youth today needs a revolutionary change. Social problems, issues, severe poverty, malnutrition, women subject to domestic violence and rape, and other manifold issues has been powerfully projected and raised through citizen journalism which is being recognized as a powerful force in the nation today.