Blogging and Journalism
Technologies such as personal computers, the Internet, and easy-to-use blogging platforms, such as Blogger and Tumblr, now allow the general public to actively participate in journalism. This essay will argue that blogging is transforming modern journalism into a field that has a strong society-based focus, similar to that of traditional 18th century journalism. Firstly, I will outline the nature of 18th century journalism and establish the significance of blogging within modern journalism. A discussion on the varying backgrounds of those who participate in journalistic activity will follow. Finally, an increased acceptance of journalistic subjectivity will be illustrated. These points will provide evidence to support the idea that blogging is encouraging a return of society-based journalism.
During the 1800’s, the general public were heavily involved in journalistic activity. Because of this, the term “journalist” was used to describe a person who was involved in journalistic activity, not a person who did such activity as a career (Barlow, 2007). Journalistic pieces were typically opinion-based discussions about current political events and movements. For example, African American writer, Fredrick Douglas, frequently attacked the institution of slavery in his 1847 pieces for The North Star (Stephens, n.d.). It was not until the 19th century rise of media chains, such as Hearst and Pulitzer, that newspapers began to “consider themselves not “of” society, but “about society” “ (Barlow, 2007, p. xv). Newspapers soon began restricting opinion pieces in an attempt to gain a wider audience. By objectively reporting news to a public who desired factual information during events such as the American Civil War, media chains were able to significantly increase profits. However, the transformation of the media during this time meant that the general public was no longer encouraged to participate in the journalism. Much journalistic power was therefore transferred to
During the 1800’s, the general public were heavily involved in journalistic activity. Because of this, the term “journalist” was used to describe a person who was involved in journalistic activity, not a person who did such activity as a career (Barlow, 2007). Journalistic pieces were typically opinion-based discussions about current political events and movements. For example, African American writer, Fredrick Douglas, frequently attacked the institution of slavery in his 1847 pieces for The North Star (Stephens, n.d.). It was not until the 19th century rise of media chains, such as Hearst and Pulitzer, that newspapers began to “consider themselves not “of” society, but “about society” “ (Barlow, 2007, p. xv). Newspapers soon began restricting opinion pieces in an attempt to gain a wider audience. By objectively reporting news to a public who desired factual information during events such as the American Civil War, media chains were able to significantly increase profits. However, the transformation of the media during this time meant that the general public was no longer encouraged to participate in the journalism. Much journalistic power was therefore transferred to
Bibliography: Singer. J. B., Hermida. A., Domingo. D., Heinonen. A., Paulussen. S., Quandt. T., Reich. Z., Vujnovic. M. (2011). Participatory Journalism: Guarding Open Gates at Online Newspapers. West Sussex: Wiley-Blackwell. Sturgis, I. (2012). Are Traditonal Media Dead?: Can Journalism Survive in the Digital World? New York, NY: IDEBATE Press