The rise of citizen journalsim

As modern technology expands it is becoming increasingly easier for the world’s population to have their say on the media and contribute to it on a global scale.
Citizen Journalism is often defined in different ways by both citizens and professionals but is quite simply, Citizens taking on a journalistic role in order to report and discuss the world’s news.
With the ongoing rise in new media technologies and internet sensations such as facebook, twitter and blog sites, it is becoming increasingly easier for citizen journalists across the world to contribute and report on the world’s news every day.  A citizen journalist in modern day society can be anyone without any profession training or qualifications using mainly blog sites, social networking sites and the power of the internet to distribute news or their take on the news to the rest of the world.

With the ever popular craze of tweeting and blogging expanding, everyday citizens are able to share news with the rest of the world before, in some cases, quicker than the journalist can report on the story.
A prime example of this comes from new media technologies such as smart phones and I-pads. Now technology has advanced so much so that with a click of a button pictures, videos and post can be up online and seen my millions in minutes. From this, some of the most iconic images in the media from the 21^st century are those taken by citizen journalists.
The photograph of a lady covering her face with a burn mask, being lead away by a man from the 7/7 London bombing is one taken by a citizen journalist who was there as the events unfolded.  Another example is the ‘tweet’ sent out by Janis Krums saying ““There's a plane in the Hudson. I'm on the ferry going to pick up the people. Crazy,” Quote taken from the NY Daily news website who reported on the story (NY Daily news 2009). Alongside the tweet was also a photograph which he uploaded of the plane taken on his I-phone. This iconic image and post on twitter was one of the first ways that people across the world new about the Hudson River plane crash before any reporters came close to the scene. These examples clearly represent the way in which everyday world citizens are becoming Citizen Journalist just by using modern technology and being in the right place at the right time.  However this could then lead us to question whether or not the rise in citizen journalist is having an effect on the real journalist and photojournalist themselves.

Professional journalists as well as photojournalist are employed with the right training and work their way up through the industry in order to be the best. With professional experience and equipment they are able to report on the world’s news in a way that in some cases citizen journalist are unable to. For example being a part of huge companies such as Getty and the BBC means that their journalist/photojournalist have more access such as press passes and tip offs form other agencies. Unlike citizen journalist, the professions are able to gain access which would otherwise be restricted to the public such as celeb parties, award ceremonies, political and royal events and warzones. This shows how much more power a professional journalist can have when reporting on certain news stories. There is also the issue of accuracy on the story and the law side of journalism.

It is clear that both journalism and citizen journalism is playing a huge roll in the 21^st  century, but what problems are being caused due to this?
The main issue concerning citizen journalist is the law. Professional journalist will be fully aware on the law and certain acts which would prevent them from publishing certain photographs and articles. This is something on the other hand that citizen journalist may not be so knowledgeable on.

 Therefore this could mean information published by a citizen journalist may be breaking the law or may not even be truthful this could then therefore cause problems within the industry.
The ethical issues involved within journalism also play a big role regarding professionals and armature citizen journalist.  Morals and principles along with knowing what is right and wrong to publish, especially in photographic form, can cause a lot of controversy and cause a media uproar. 

So is the way that journalism is being changed by citizen journalist, impacting on traditional ways in which journalist work? As technology is becoming more advanced, allowing citizens to post news live on the internet along with picture will there come a time when we do not need journalist? We are already beginning to see how newspapers are bringing out online additions each day of their publication which readers can view on the move on their smart phone or laptop. With the abilities we have right now, eye witnesses of a disaster or major news story are able to send their pictures and information into news and picture wires quicker than some professionals.
As technology becomes even more advance will there come a time when journalist are not needed and publications will stream out news on online newsfeeds across the world with the help of citizen journalism? Only time and technological development will tell.






Lucy Jolliffe

Cheer Faces On!!

Staffordshire University Scarlettes are a national competing, passionately driven cheerleading squad.
Training a minimum 3 times a week, The Scarlettes work on dance routines, stunting, gymnastics, cheering and of course, their cheer faces, in preparation towards their next major competition.
As well as training and competing, the Scarlettes also cheer regally for the universities American football team, The Stallions and often meet for social events.

The scarlettes practising there cheer routine in preparation for their next competition in April.

Being apart of a squad like the Scarlette requires alot of hard work and determination but is yet fun and very rewarding.
First year rookie, Ashton Paris told me "Joining the Scarlettes was definitely one of the best decisions I've made since starting the university in September. Not only is it great for my fitness, but it is also like having a second family because everyone is so close."

The Scarlettes no how important teamwork is when practising lifts and learning new routines.

Although many people would argue that Cheerleading is not a sport, alot of athletic capability, technique and teamwork is required.
For the Scarlettes cheerleading is not only seen as a hobby but apart of everyday university life. Socialising outside of practice with other members of the squad and the American Football players, they are a very close-knit group of friends.

As the first semester draws to an end the girls are sorting themselves out in preparation for next semesters big events, Varsity and their competition where they will compete agaist other teams infornt of thousands.
Coach Amie Pople stated "After christmas is going to be so busy with all the practice for varisty and comp but I'm really looking forward to it . This is my 3rd comp now and each year just gets better and better and the atmosphere is amazing"

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