Monday, May 21, 2007
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Saturday, May 19, 2007
“Blogs are not intended to be objective. They are supposed to be opinionated, snarky and in your face –.”[1]
The emergence of web-logs present a clear contrast to journalisms’ mantra of regulation, professionalism and objectivity. The necessity of a journalist ‘watchdog’ and trustee image has been questioned by blogs apparent disregard for such rules in their own amateur journalism. This new form of journalism flouts the rules of objectivity whilst encouraging audience participating to develop and evolve in its discussion of social and political issues (although it is not limited to this). Blogs and the process of self-regulation however, also allow for the continual postings of inaccurate and sensationalist news, as argued by Livink. Readers must therefore fulfill their role as active producers and ensure wider readings of blogs and posts to enable greater understanding of content.
Henry Jenkins ‘convergence culture’
Convergence culture within this proposal is understood as the collaboration of a number of different mediums, such as television and radio, within the one medium, such as the Internet. Most importantly is however, the implication this has in the renegotiation of power between consumers and producers. The increasing dominance of media conglomerates, together with the lowered costs of production, has contributed to a new trend in news production, in which consumers are becoming more active in demanding democratised and interactive regulation and content. Weblogs have emerged with increasing popularity in response to this restrictive nature of journalism. “Blogs following an alternative set of practices from mainstream media including invoking opinionated voices rather than aiming for objectivity and distance and encouraging audience participation and involvement in the creation of content.”[2] This interactivity has been essential in the creation of communities committed to the discussion of diverse content that has been significantly neglected in traditional journalism. Weblogs have therefore become indicative of Jenkins’ convergence culture, epitomising the demand for greater consumer involvement and content choice. This has important implications in conceptions of traditional journalism as it struggles to maintain its legitimacy as a 4th estate.
Weblogs:
There are an increasingly number of weblogs (blogs) being posted within the internet. Weblogs, Ribstein argues, can be described as a “series of web posts from a single web address with a common author or set of authors, often integrated with commentary on the blogs itself or on other blogs.”[3] In his definition, Winer notes that the formatting and commentary is ranged hierarchically and chronologically to enable greater navigation of content.[4] Under this formatting, there has emerged a significantly large number of different genre of blogs. These range from diary-story formatting in which the content is more suggestive of ‘gossip’ and conversation with friends and family, to ‘formal’ and news filled blogs that often have the aims of expanding social awareness of certain issues. The Iraqi collective ‘Streamtime’ is indicative of this style of blogging. Established as a support mechanism for new media initiatives in Iraq, Streamtime founders Landman and van der Spek predominantly aim to facilitate the interaction and support of independent media within Iraq.[5] Through this blog, communities outside of Iraq have been able to engage in free opinion and discussion that would otherwise not have been possible. The blog thus emerges as a form of public sphere, encouraging political and social debate with its users. However the arguably practical nature of these blogs is not evident in many others. The web contains thousands of diary-like web-logs that are focused around individuals and their everyday life. ‘Strawberry sweetness’ epitomises this genre, with its informal, diary like entries such as “in my last post I said that Phil and I had been together for 5 months.”[6] Such blogs contain little relevance to viewers outside of family and friends, largely marginalizing those outside this circle. However, the continual establishment of these and more importantly, political and social blogs, has important consequences in the redistribution of power between consumers and producers. This has further implications in challenging traditional conceptions of mainstream media such as journalism.
Journalism: the 4th estate?
Particularly critical to the traditional conception of journalism has been their image as a ‘fourth estate’. This normative interpretation of the role of journalism emerged within the context of the Habermasian public sphere, in which an independent source, critical of political and cultural power was able to ‘check’ those in power. McNair rightly suggests that this concept of ‘watchdog’ recognised “that there were established social classes in society whose potentially selfish use and abuse of their powers required limiting by society as a whole.”[7] This ‘limiting’ role is crucial to the development of journalistic standards and ethics, which stresses objectivity and the critical analysis of governmental actions and policies. The ability of journalists to achieve this standard of reporting has however been questioned following the coverage of wars, in particular the War on Terror. The trustee image of journalism has arguably moved away from Watergate revelations to one that follows market based economic concerns, as media conglomerates battle to capture the broadest possible market.
Within this climate of mistrust, blogs have emerged to further challenge the traditional ‘watchdog’ image of journalism. This is supported by Zuckerman who also suggests the journalistic role of filtering the “defamatory and the false”[8] is being confronted. Referring to blogs as ‘fifth estates’ Zuckermans’ argument implies weblogs are arising in direct opposition to the tradition and professionalism associated with traditional media. A huge range of blogs mean the posting of often unsubstantiated, ill-informed and inaccurate information. Consumers have direct and ready access to this, with no institution or ‘gate-keeper’ present to act as a ‘filter’ of what they should deem relevant or interesting. This unlimited spreadsheet of blogs and information is a new challenge to the filtered news content available within traditional journalism. Readers of web-logs must therefore assume an active role in deciphering through blogs for relevant information. This new sphere renders the trustee model of journalism redundant, as the appropriation of individual content is left to the readers’ themselves. Within such environments consumers are able to actively challenge their passive role assumed within traditional media forms such as newspapers, as is indicative of convergence culture.
Regulating media content
Journalism has traditionally been heavily regulated and maintained within its industry. Editors are responsible for choosing and editing appropriate pieces that often mirror the papers own ideologies and political preferences. Fairfax owned newspaper ‘The Age’ follows a left winged preference over the arguably more right-winged ‘Herald Sun’ and ‘The Australian’. Consequently this is reflected within the journalist pieces in each paper, as journalists are thus restricted to the presentation of content that mirrors the particular media’s philosophy. Political debate and discussion is further limited to mainstream discussion, as part of the papers appropriation of an all-encompassing content. Broader regulation has also occurred through the concentration of media ownership, limiting grassroots media tenure and thus severely restricted the diversity of journalism and debate within the public sphere. Recent media-law reforms have augmented this, allowing the domination of media conglomerates across a number of different mediums.
Comparatively, Blogs have challenged this heavy regulation of content. Focusing on political and news style blogs, the lack of on-line regulation means greater grassroots concern and marginalised ideas can be explored. As typical of media convergence, this ensures greater ‘narrowcasting’ and choice of content that would have otherwise been neglected in the appropriation of mainstream content. This arguably allows for the expansion of democratic participation, particularly crucial in countries where free speech and participation is heavily consered or controlled. The creation of ‘Rose Garden’ by Luqiu is indicative of this. Similarly to Streamtime, ‘Rose Garden’ has emerged in China to enable people without access to independent media a way to be connected to more ‘objective’ news. Human aspects of the Chinese government, for example, can be discussed: an area that is prohibited within the mainstream media organizations.[9] It is through the lack of regulation that blogs such as ‘Rose Garden’ can be established, with content that would have otherwise been restricted in traditional journalism. Consumers are able to gain greater access to unlimited content, engaging in self-regulation and the debate. Blogs therefore broaden the measures that “provides citizens with freedom of choice in their sources of news and analyses, from which they can go on to participate in the democratic process.”[10]
Re-engaging citizens
Interactivity, a key component of blogging, presents a clear challenge to traditional understandings of journalism. This contributes significantly to the web-log appeal, as online posts can be openly debated and discussed with readers’. This is supported by Luqiu who enthuses, “I loved my blog’s interactivity, something traditional media were not able to offer.”[11] Blogs logically evolve in depth and consideration through such interactivity, as comments and debate may contribute to a posts alteration. This self-regulation is distinguished from those of traditional media, as Ribstein rightly observes, “The core of amateur journalism is open access and interactivity, in contrast to the most closed model of conventional bricks-and-motar media firms.”[12] Through interactivity the traditional role of consumer-producer is once again changed, as readers become active in contributing to a blogs evolution and development, thus moving to a more active, producer role. The referral of bloggers as amateur journalists is illustrative of this new interaction, as everyday consumers as able to actively participate in public debate. This new role is supported by Ribstein who suggests, “One of the best things about blogs is the opportunity they provide for debate among people from a variety of backgrounds.” [13] This contributes to resituate the sphere of journalism from its distanced role as 4th estate, to a more inclusive role, in which the public actively participate in its formation. Such interactivity presents a clear challenge to the traditions of journalism and agenda setting, as supported by the journalist/blogger Margeret Kingston. The appropriate place for journalists, argues Kingston, “is no longer at the lectern telling readers what had happened and why. This journalist’s place is sitting around the table with her readers, pulling together expertise and information to get the story.”[14] The increasing popularity of blogs supports this re-engagement of citizens. Such involvement is likely to have implications in the future of traditional journalism, which may move to become more transparent and interactive with its readers’.
Objective blogging?
A key feature of journalism has been its image of objectivity and impartiality. This has contributed significantly to its 4th estate role, as journalists were seen to be above governmental interferences in assuming a critical watch on the activity of others. McNair furthers this normative view of journalism, arguing, “What journalism is, or aspires to be, is revealed truth, mediated reality, an account of the existing, real world as appropriated by the journalist.[15] The journalists voice is largely omniscient whilst opinion is predominantly absent. Hacket and Zhao suggests this stems from the traditional encouragement of the flow of news rather than views, thus ensuring newspapers contributed to providing the factual information people needed to be informed. (29)Journalists are thus seen as playing an important role in facilitating the flow and discussion of issues that are central to a democratic government and its' legitimacy. Blogs however are typically opinionated pieces, with the voice of the blogger strongly present in all posts. Ribstein clearly belittles the validity of blogs, dismissing the suggestion of ‘journalism’, arguing, “they are simply individuals talking, amplified by the megaphone of the Web.”[16]Whilst this is perhaps indicative of many online blogs it fails to consider the wider, news-focused and investigative blogs also available. Although these still follow the blog-format with a present opinionated voice, the web-logs also enable a more realistic and ‘ordinary’ presentation of many political and social issues. This consolidates its interactive nature, as consumers are not deterred from interaction by the use of jargon and official language. The use of colloquial language also reiterates it use as a means of facilitating discussion rather then one that merely ‘informs’ the reader. Fisher suggests such ‘openness’ encourages the introduction of content that has been side-lined from the public consciousness. The example of anti-gay tactics within politics is relevant here and explored critically in his blog, a site very much indicative of areas which are ignored in mainstream journalism. Underlying such sites is often the aim of social activism as Kenton Ngo suggests, “the difference between a regular journalist and me is we both try to keep things truthful, but I have an agenda- I’m an activist.’[17]Such attitude is also evident in the blogs ‘Streamtime’ and ‘Rose Garden’. The use of activism within the blogosphere is here crucial to such causes, as mainstream media is unable to facilitate or allow such discussions. This is supported by Wall’s analysis of war reporting, concluding, “media will only reflect the range of dissent within the core of political leaders, while the validity of the policies themselves are rarely questioned.”[18] A reliance on government for information often contributes to this limitation in objectivity,[19] thus undermining a central component of journalism and its’ ‘trustee’ image. Comparatively, the profession of bias and opinion in blogs may allow a less manipulated development of opinion, as they are able to ‘sift’ through the opinions and discussions to more actively develop their own.
The sphere of professionals:
Journalism has traditionally been seen to be within the sphere of professionals. Indeed it is this professionalism that Street argues allows journalism to maintain its credibility and “enables it to resist the blandishments and bullying of interventionist owners.”[20] With the rise of blogs, bloggers have arguably become ‘amateur journalists’, as they participate in the dissemination of news and maintain regular posts to a large audience. Blog posts furthermore are often written in an area of the bloggers’ expertise, rather than on many topics, as is largely required of mainstream journalists. Ribstein suggests this new form of journalism has facilitated a new form of relationshp between experts and the public: ”Bloggers can communicate their expertise directly to the public rather than simply by filling in quotes in articles basically shaped by mainstream journalists who are experts as writers but usually not in their subjects.”[21] Therefore many blogs may contain specialist and diverse information that would have otherwise only featured in the content of a larger story, as part of journalists’ obligations to objectivity. This is supported by Luqiu in his analysis of Chinese blogs, stating “some in China use blogs to release the kind of information usually handled by journalists.”[22] Zuckerman suggests this increase in content has contributed to democratise journalism through empowering its’ reader.[23]
the broader picture
The wider implications of web-logs can be seen to reposition power back in the hands of the bloggers, as they can control what information they discuss, release and self-regulate. Trevor cook supports this, arguing, “Weblogs, RSS feed integration, tagging, social networking and vertical search are really part of a bigger trend. People are taking back control over their media. Not just geeks but ordinary people, in lots of ordinary ways.[24]” The mere ability of everyday people, in addition to experts and others, to be able to post their thoughts and facilitate discussion can be seen as a crucial step in repositioning consumers as producers. Whilst the content within many blogs is often inaccurate and contains little wider significance beyond a selected group, the role of web-logs within convergence culture is essential. The changing consumer-producer roles present a clear challenge to the professionalism that journalism has always sought. However Ribstein suggests that this will instead encourage professional journalists to seek greater quality and researched content in an attempt to differentiate themselves from amateur journalists.[25] The ability for online blogs to post news increasingly quickly would further contribute to a possible gap between news breaking content and investigative, well-researched articles. Whilst this will continue to present a challenge to understandings of journalism, it will likely result in a greater divide between amateur and professional journalism.
The emergence of web-logs present a clear contrast to journalisms’ mantra of regulation, professionalism and objectivity. The necessity of a journalist ‘watchdog’ and trustee image has been questioned by blogs apparent disregard for such rules in their own amateur journalism. This new form of journalism flouts the rules of objectivity whilst encouraging audience participating to develop and evolve in its discussion of social and political issues (although it is not limited to this). Blogs and the process of self-regulation however, also allow for the continual postings of inaccurate and sensationalist news, as argued by Livink. Readers must therefore fulfill their role as active producers and ensure wider readings of blogs and posts to enable greater understanding of content.
Henry Jenkins ‘convergence culture’
Convergence culture within this proposal is understood as the collaboration of a number of different mediums, such as television and radio, within the one medium, such as the Internet. Most importantly is however, the implication this has in the renegotiation of power between consumers and producers. The increasing dominance of media conglomerates, together with the lowered costs of production, has contributed to a new trend in news production, in which consumers are becoming more active in demanding democratised and interactive regulation and content. Weblogs have emerged with increasing popularity in response to this restrictive nature of journalism. “Blogs following an alternative set of practices from mainstream media including invoking opinionated voices rather than aiming for objectivity and distance and encouraging audience participation and involvement in the creation of content.”[2] This interactivity has been essential in the creation of communities committed to the discussion of diverse content that has been significantly neglected in traditional journalism. Weblogs have therefore become indicative of Jenkins’ convergence culture, epitomising the demand for greater consumer involvement and content choice. This has important implications in conceptions of traditional journalism as it struggles to maintain its legitimacy as a 4th estate.
Weblogs:
There are an increasingly number of weblogs (blogs) being posted within the internet. Weblogs, Ribstein argues, can be described as a “series of web posts from a single web address with a common author or set of authors, often integrated with commentary on the blogs itself or on other blogs.”[3] In his definition, Winer notes that the formatting and commentary is ranged hierarchically and chronologically to enable greater navigation of content.[4] Under this formatting, there has emerged a significantly large number of different genre of blogs. These range from diary-story formatting in which the content is more suggestive of ‘gossip’ and conversation with friends and family, to ‘formal’ and news filled blogs that often have the aims of expanding social awareness of certain issues. The Iraqi collective ‘Streamtime’ is indicative of this style of blogging. Established as a support mechanism for new media initiatives in Iraq, Streamtime founders Landman and van der Spek predominantly aim to facilitate the interaction and support of independent media within Iraq.[5] Through this blog, communities outside of Iraq have been able to engage in free opinion and discussion that would otherwise not have been possible. The blog thus emerges as a form of public sphere, encouraging political and social debate with its users. However the arguably practical nature of these blogs is not evident in many others. The web contains thousands of diary-like web-logs that are focused around individuals and their everyday life. ‘Strawberry sweetness’ epitomises this genre, with its informal, diary like entries such as “in my last post I said that Phil and I had been together for 5 months.”[6] Such blogs contain little relevance to viewers outside of family and friends, largely marginalizing those outside this circle. However, the continual establishment of these and more importantly, political and social blogs, has important consequences in the redistribution of power between consumers and producers. This has further implications in challenging traditional conceptions of mainstream media such as journalism.
Journalism: the 4th estate?
Particularly critical to the traditional conception of journalism has been their image as a ‘fourth estate’. This normative interpretation of the role of journalism emerged within the context of the Habermasian public sphere, in which an independent source, critical of political and cultural power was able to ‘check’ those in power. McNair rightly suggests that this concept of ‘watchdog’ recognised “that there were established social classes in society whose potentially selfish use and abuse of their powers required limiting by society as a whole.”[7] This ‘limiting’ role is crucial to the development of journalistic standards and ethics, which stresses objectivity and the critical analysis of governmental actions and policies. The ability of journalists to achieve this standard of reporting has however been questioned following the coverage of wars, in particular the War on Terror. The trustee image of journalism has arguably moved away from Watergate revelations to one that follows market based economic concerns, as media conglomerates battle to capture the broadest possible market.
Within this climate of mistrust, blogs have emerged to further challenge the traditional ‘watchdog’ image of journalism. This is supported by Zuckerman who also suggests the journalistic role of filtering the “defamatory and the false”[8] is being confronted. Referring to blogs as ‘fifth estates’ Zuckermans’ argument implies weblogs are arising in direct opposition to the tradition and professionalism associated with traditional media. A huge range of blogs mean the posting of often unsubstantiated, ill-informed and inaccurate information. Consumers have direct and ready access to this, with no institution or ‘gate-keeper’ present to act as a ‘filter’ of what they should deem relevant or interesting. This unlimited spreadsheet of blogs and information is a new challenge to the filtered news content available within traditional journalism. Readers of web-logs must therefore assume an active role in deciphering through blogs for relevant information. This new sphere renders the trustee model of journalism redundant, as the appropriation of individual content is left to the readers’ themselves. Within such environments consumers are able to actively challenge their passive role assumed within traditional media forms such as newspapers, as is indicative of convergence culture.
Regulating media content
Journalism has traditionally been heavily regulated and maintained within its industry. Editors are responsible for choosing and editing appropriate pieces that often mirror the papers own ideologies and political preferences. Fairfax owned newspaper ‘The Age’ follows a left winged preference over the arguably more right-winged ‘Herald Sun’ and ‘The Australian’. Consequently this is reflected within the journalist pieces in each paper, as journalists are thus restricted to the presentation of content that mirrors the particular media’s philosophy. Political debate and discussion is further limited to mainstream discussion, as part of the papers appropriation of an all-encompassing content. Broader regulation has also occurred through the concentration of media ownership, limiting grassroots media tenure and thus severely restricted the diversity of journalism and debate within the public sphere. Recent media-law reforms have augmented this, allowing the domination of media conglomerates across a number of different mediums.
Comparatively, Blogs have challenged this heavy regulation of content. Focusing on political and news style blogs, the lack of on-line regulation means greater grassroots concern and marginalised ideas can be explored. As typical of media convergence, this ensures greater ‘narrowcasting’ and choice of content that would have otherwise been neglected in the appropriation of mainstream content. This arguably allows for the expansion of democratic participation, particularly crucial in countries where free speech and participation is heavily consered or controlled. The creation of ‘Rose Garden’ by Luqiu is indicative of this. Similarly to Streamtime, ‘Rose Garden’ has emerged in China to enable people without access to independent media a way to be connected to more ‘objective’ news. Human aspects of the Chinese government, for example, can be discussed: an area that is prohibited within the mainstream media organizations.[9] It is through the lack of regulation that blogs such as ‘Rose Garden’ can be established, with content that would have otherwise been restricted in traditional journalism. Consumers are able to gain greater access to unlimited content, engaging in self-regulation and the debate. Blogs therefore broaden the measures that “provides citizens with freedom of choice in their sources of news and analyses, from which they can go on to participate in the democratic process.”[10]
Re-engaging citizens
Interactivity, a key component of blogging, presents a clear challenge to traditional understandings of journalism. This contributes significantly to the web-log appeal, as online posts can be openly debated and discussed with readers’. This is supported by Luqiu who enthuses, “I loved my blog’s interactivity, something traditional media were not able to offer.”[11] Blogs logically evolve in depth and consideration through such interactivity, as comments and debate may contribute to a posts alteration. This self-regulation is distinguished from those of traditional media, as Ribstein rightly observes, “The core of amateur journalism is open access and interactivity, in contrast to the most closed model of conventional bricks-and-motar media firms.”[12] Through interactivity the traditional role of consumer-producer is once again changed, as readers become active in contributing to a blogs evolution and development, thus moving to a more active, producer role. The referral of bloggers as amateur journalists is illustrative of this new interaction, as everyday consumers as able to actively participate in public debate. This new role is supported by Ribstein who suggests, “One of the best things about blogs is the opportunity they provide for debate among people from a variety of backgrounds.” [13] This contributes to resituate the sphere of journalism from its distanced role as 4th estate, to a more inclusive role, in which the public actively participate in its formation. Such interactivity presents a clear challenge to the traditions of journalism and agenda setting, as supported by the journalist/blogger Margeret Kingston. The appropriate place for journalists, argues Kingston, “is no longer at the lectern telling readers what had happened and why. This journalist’s place is sitting around the table with her readers, pulling together expertise and information to get the story.”[14] The increasing popularity of blogs supports this re-engagement of citizens. Such involvement is likely to have implications in the future of traditional journalism, which may move to become more transparent and interactive with its readers’.
Objective blogging?
A key feature of journalism has been its image of objectivity and impartiality. This has contributed significantly to its 4th estate role, as journalists were seen to be above governmental interferences in assuming a critical watch on the activity of others. McNair furthers this normative view of journalism, arguing, “What journalism is, or aspires to be, is revealed truth, mediated reality, an account of the existing, real world as appropriated by the journalist.[15] The journalists voice is largely omniscient whilst opinion is predominantly absent. Hacket and Zhao suggests this stems from the traditional encouragement of the flow of news rather than views, thus ensuring newspapers contributed to providing the factual information people needed to be informed. (29)Journalists are thus seen as playing an important role in facilitating the flow and discussion of issues that are central to a democratic government and its' legitimacy. Blogs however are typically opinionated pieces, with the voice of the blogger strongly present in all posts. Ribstein clearly belittles the validity of blogs, dismissing the suggestion of ‘journalism’, arguing, “they are simply individuals talking, amplified by the megaphone of the Web.”[16]Whilst this is perhaps indicative of many online blogs it fails to consider the wider, news-focused and investigative blogs also available. Although these still follow the blog-format with a present opinionated voice, the web-logs also enable a more realistic and ‘ordinary’ presentation of many political and social issues. This consolidates its interactive nature, as consumers are not deterred from interaction by the use of jargon and official language. The use of colloquial language also reiterates it use as a means of facilitating discussion rather then one that merely ‘informs’ the reader. Fisher suggests such ‘openness’ encourages the introduction of content that has been side-lined from the public consciousness. The example of anti-gay tactics within politics is relevant here and explored critically in his blog, a site very much indicative of areas which are ignored in mainstream journalism. Underlying such sites is often the aim of social activism as Kenton Ngo suggests, “the difference between a regular journalist and me is we both try to keep things truthful, but I have an agenda- I’m an activist.’[17]Such attitude is also evident in the blogs ‘Streamtime’ and ‘Rose Garden’. The use of activism within the blogosphere is here crucial to such causes, as mainstream media is unable to facilitate or allow such discussions. This is supported by Wall’s analysis of war reporting, concluding, “media will only reflect the range of dissent within the core of political leaders, while the validity of the policies themselves are rarely questioned.”[18] A reliance on government for information often contributes to this limitation in objectivity,[19] thus undermining a central component of journalism and its’ ‘trustee’ image. Comparatively, the profession of bias and opinion in blogs may allow a less manipulated development of opinion, as they are able to ‘sift’ through the opinions and discussions to more actively develop their own.
The sphere of professionals:
Journalism has traditionally been seen to be within the sphere of professionals. Indeed it is this professionalism that Street argues allows journalism to maintain its credibility and “enables it to resist the blandishments and bullying of interventionist owners.”[20] With the rise of blogs, bloggers have arguably become ‘amateur journalists’, as they participate in the dissemination of news and maintain regular posts to a large audience. Blog posts furthermore are often written in an area of the bloggers’ expertise, rather than on many topics, as is largely required of mainstream journalists. Ribstein suggests this new form of journalism has facilitated a new form of relationshp between experts and the public: ”Bloggers can communicate their expertise directly to the public rather than simply by filling in quotes in articles basically shaped by mainstream journalists who are experts as writers but usually not in their subjects.”[21] Therefore many blogs may contain specialist and diverse information that would have otherwise only featured in the content of a larger story, as part of journalists’ obligations to objectivity. This is supported by Luqiu in his analysis of Chinese blogs, stating “some in China use blogs to release the kind of information usually handled by journalists.”[22] Zuckerman suggests this increase in content has contributed to democratise journalism through empowering its’ reader.[23]
the broader picture
The wider implications of web-logs can be seen to reposition power back in the hands of the bloggers, as they can control what information they discuss, release and self-regulate. Trevor cook supports this, arguing, “Weblogs, RSS feed integration, tagging, social networking and vertical search are really part of a bigger trend. People are taking back control over their media. Not just geeks but ordinary people, in lots of ordinary ways.[24]” The mere ability of everyday people, in addition to experts and others, to be able to post their thoughts and facilitate discussion can be seen as a crucial step in repositioning consumers as producers. Whilst the content within many blogs is often inaccurate and contains little wider significance beyond a selected group, the role of web-logs within convergence culture is essential. The changing consumer-producer roles present a clear challenge to the professionalism that journalism has always sought. However Ribstein suggests that this will instead encourage professional journalists to seek greater quality and researched content in an attempt to differentiate themselves from amateur journalists.[25] The ability for online blogs to post news increasingly quickly would further contribute to a possible gap between news breaking content and investigative, well-researched articles. Whilst this will continue to present a challenge to understandings of journalism, it will likely result in a greater divide between amateur and professional journalism.
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