Nowadays, people are in need of a credible source of information. With all, that’s happening worldwide and even in a small community, it is difficult to rely on a single platform or media portal. Citizen journalism is convenient with the advancement of technology. People get connected through social media, and most of us may not even know that we are already doing citizen journalism.
If you are a concerned citizen and would want to take your part in responsible journalism, you need to consider some guidelines to reach out to your target audience successfully. We may all become citizen journalists; however, not everyone can be as effective.
5 Guidelines On How To Be A Citizen Journalist
- Choose stories that are relevant to the audience or the present moment. People are drawn to stories that are familiar or prevalent but fresh. It’s like serving your audience an ice cream for dessert but with a different, There are thousands of communities that need information about health, politics, or whatnot. Mainstream media cannot cover all the events happening, especially in remote areas. Give your audience a sense of personal touch to your stories.
- Invite people for a cause or a mission rather than an idea. Many people care but do not have an opportunity to contribute. Encourage others by letting them know that there are also people like them who want to take part in engaging the audience with reliable information about vital issues like health or nature. The world is in dire need of awareness regarding illnesses such as HIV, cancer, diabetes, and mental health illnesses. You can reach out to many organizations with the same cause.
- Create a new way to provide information. We are all familiar with what mainstream media is like. With citizen journalism, it must be more than just reporting. There is also no point in covering huge stories that were already covered in detail by large organizations. It’s like selling the same milkshake in a smaller container. It will help if you include the places where traditional media haven’t been to, and if it is in your hometown, you have a greater advantage because you probably know your area like the back of your hand.
- Be hands-on when it comes to tracking your audience. You must be able to gather the data on which campaign is effective to whom. You need to know the details of your progress or the success and failure of your news. As much as it is helpful to get an idea for other citizen journalists, it is essential that you compare your work based on your last one.
- Don’t think of the title, caption, or headline first. Get your story, essential details, and substance before you decide what you are going to call your campaign. Sometimes, our news or articles evolve from each detail we add which then could deviate the whole story from the title.
We could all have a chance to take our part as citizen journalists. With all the platforms online today, our power to reach out to people is almost limitless. There is the use of social media such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and many more. Nowadays, they are the easiest and most effective way to spread information and awareness about specific causes, especially petitions for protection of nature and similar matters. Citizen journalism may be done with fewer requirements and limitations. However, people who decide to take part in this cause should always consider the possibility that with every news or story they produce, there is a significant effect on the person watching or reading it.